Salutation

1 The elder to the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

The Godliness of Gaius

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

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

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

The Generosity of Gaius

5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren, and for strangers;

6 Who have borne witness of your love before the church: whom if you bring forward on their journey in a godly way, you shall do well:

7 Because for his name's sake they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

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

Diotrephes and Demetrius

9 I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.

10 Therefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, babbling against us with malicious words: and not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and forbids those who would, and casts them out of the church.

11 Beloved, do not follow that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God.

12 Demetrius has a good report from all men, and from the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and you know that our record is true.

Benediction

13 I had many things to write, but I would rather not write to you with ink and pen:

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