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

The church leader writes to the much-loved Gaius. I love you because of the truth.

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

Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way. I pray that your body is strong and well even as your soul is.

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

I was very happy when some Christians came and told me about how you are following the truth.

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

I can have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.

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

Dear friend, you are doing a good work by being kind to the Christians, and for sure, to the 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 told the church about your love. It will be good for you to help them on their way as God would have you.

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

These people are working for the Lord. They are taking nothing from the people who do not know God.

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

So we should help such people. That way we will be working with them as they teach the truth.

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

I wrote a letter to the church. But Diotrephes wants to be the leader and put himself first. He will have nothing to do with us.

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 if I come, I will show what he is doing by the bad things he is saying about us. Not only that, he will not take the Christian brothers into his home. He keeps others from doing it also. When they do, he puts them out of 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.

Dear friend, do not follow what is sinful, but follow what is good. The person who does what is good belongs to God. The person who does what is sinful has not seen 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.

Everyone speaks good things about Demetrius. The truth itself speaks for him. We say the same thing also and you know we are speaking the truth.

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

I have much to write about but I do not want to write it in this letter.

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 then we can talk together. May you have peace. The friends here greet you. Greet each friend there by name.