Salutation

1 The elder. To Gaius the loved one, whom I love in truth:

The Godliness of Gaius

2 Loved ones, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.

3 For I was overjoyed when some brethren came and testified of the truth in you — how you are walking in truth.

4 I have no greater joy than this — to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

The Generosity of Gaius

5 Loved ones, you are acting faithfully in whatever you do for the brethren and especially for strangers.

6 [5] [1] They have testified to your love before Messiah’s community. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

7 For on behalf of the Name they went out, accepting nothing from the pagans.

8 Therefore we ought to support such people, so we might become co-workers in the truth.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

9 I wrote something to Messiah’s community, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t welcome us.

10 So if I do come, I will call attention to what he is doing — slandering us with wicked words. Not even content with that, he refuses to welcome the brethren, and even forbids those who want to do so — throwing them out of the community!

11 Loved ones, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

12 Demetrius has a good testimony from everyone, even from the truth itself. We also vouch for him — and you know that our testimony is true.

Benediction

13 I have much to write you, but I don’t want to write to you with ink and pen.

14 But I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face.

15 Shalom aleichem. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.