3 John 1

A Greeting from the Elder

3 John 1:1–4

1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Gaius Commended for Hospitality

3 John 1:5–8

5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

6 Which have borne witness of thy love before the church: whom if thou help along on their journey in a manner worthy of God, thou shalt do well:

7 Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow workers for the truth.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

3 John 1:9–12

9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the first place among them, receiveth us not.

10 Wherefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds: he talks nonsense against us with malicious words; and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear witness; and ye know that our testimony is true.

Conclusion

3 John 1:13–14

13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends greet thee. Greet the friends by name.