3 John

The third epistle of John, chapter 1, New English Translation and King James Version

Chapter 1 New English Translation

Introduction and Thanksgiving

   1 From the elder, to Gaius my dear brother, whom I love in truth. 2 Dear friend, 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 rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, just as you are living according to the truth.
   4 I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are living according to the truth.

The Charge to Gaius

   5 Dear friend, you demonstrate faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers). 6 They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone forth on behalf of "The Name, " accepting nothing from the pagans. 8 Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we become coworkers in cooperation with the truth.

Diotrephes the Troublemaker

   9 I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not acknowledge us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing - the bringing of unjustified charges against us with evil words! And not being content with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but hinders the people who want to do so and throws them out of the church! 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is bad but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does what is bad has not seen God.

Worthy Demetrius

   12 Demetrius has been testified to by all, even by the truth itself. We also testify to him, and you know that our testimony is true.

Conclusion

   13 I have many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink. 14 But I hope to see you right away, and we will speak face to face. 15 Peace be with you. The friends here greet you. Greet the friends there by name.

King James Version

   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.
   5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
   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:
   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 fellowhelpers to the truth.
   9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
   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.
   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 record; and ye know that our record is true.
   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 salute thee. Greet the friends by name.