1 T he elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

The elderly elder to the beloved (esteemed) Gaius, whom I truly love.

2 B eloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and may keep well, even as your soul keeps well and prospers.

3 F or I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

In fact, I greatly rejoiced when the brethren from time to time arrived and spoke of the sincerity and fidelity of your life, as indeed you do live in the Truth.

4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are living their lives in the Truth.

5 B eloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

Beloved, it is a fine and faithful work that you are doing when you give any service to the brethren, and strangers.

6 T hey have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,

They have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to forward them on their journey in a way worthy of God’s.

7 b ecause for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

For these have gone out for the Name’s sake (for His sake) and are accepting nothing from the Gentiles (the heathen, the non-Israelites).

8 W e therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

So we ourselves ought to support such people, in order that we may be fellow workers in the Truth (the whole Gospel) and cooperate with its teachers.

9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.

I have written briefly to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead among them and put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority and refuses to accept my suggestions or to listen to me.

10 T herefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.

So when I arrive, I will call attention to what he is doing, his boiling over and casting malicious reflections upon us with insinuating language. And not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive and welcome the brethren himself, and also interferes with and forbids those who would welcome them, and tries to expel (excommunicate) them from the church.

11 B eloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.

Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen (discerned or experienced) God.

12 D emetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

Demetrius has warm commendation from everyone—and from the Truth itself; we add our testimony also, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

I had much to write, but I prefer not to put it down with pen (a reed) and ink;

14 b ut I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face. Peace be to you! (Good-bye!) The friends here send you greetings. Remember me to the friends there by name.