3 John

3 John ©

1 The apostle, after a kind salutation to Gaius, testifieth his joy in his piety, 5 commending his hospitality toward the preachers of the gospel. 9 He condemneth Diotrephes, and threateneth him for his ambitious opposition. 11 The ill example of such is not to be followed. 12 He beareth testimony to the good character of Demetrius. 13 He hopeth to see Gaius shortly, and concludeth with salutations.

1

THE aelder unto the wellbeloved bGaius, cwhom I love 1in the truth.

a 2Jn. 1.
2

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

3

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

4

I have no greater joy than to hear that hmy children iwalk in truth.

5

Beloved, jthou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to kthe brethren, and to strangers;

6

Which have borne witness of thy *charity before the church: whom if lthou bring forward on their journey 3after a godly *sort, thou shalt do well:

7

Because mthat for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

8

nWe therefore ought to receive such, that we might be ofellowhelpers to the truth.

9

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who ploveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

10

Wherefore, if I come, qI will remember his deeds which he doeth, r*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, sfollow not that which is evil, but that which is good. tHe that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

12

Demetrius hath ugood report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that vour record is true.

13

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

w 2Jn. 12.
14

But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak 4face to face. xPeace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.