Third Epistle of John
Chapter 1

John commends Gaius and condemns the prideful and contentious in the church

1:1 The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:

1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

1:3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

1:5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren and to strangers,

1:6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church, whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well,

1:7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

1:8 We, therefore, ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.

1:9 I wrote unto the church; but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not.

1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating 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.

1:11 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.

1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men and of the truth itself; yea, and we also bare record, and ye know that our record is true.

1:13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee;

1:14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.