A.D. 68.
A COMMENDATION OF GAIUS AND DEMETRIUS, AND A DENUNCIATION OF DIOTREPHES.
1 1:1THE elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 1:2Beloved, I desire above all things that you may prosper and be in health, as your soul prospers. 1:3For I rejoiced exceedingly when the brothers came and testified of your truth, as you walk in truth. 1:4I have no greater joy than this, that I hear of my children walking in the truth.
2 1:5Beloved, you did faithfully whatever you do to the brothers, and that to strangers, 1:6who testified of your love before the church, whom you will do well to send forward worthily of God. 1:7For they went out for his name, taking nothing of the gentiles. 1:8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be co-laborers for the truth.
3 1:9I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes desiring the pre-eminence does not receive us. 1:10Therefore if I come I will remember his works which he performs, prating against us with evil words, and not being satisfied, in addition to these [things] he does not receive the brothers, and forbids and casts out of the church those wishing to do it.
4 1:11Beloved, do not imitate evil but good. He that does good is of God; he that does evil has not seen God. 1:12Testimony is borne to Demetrius by all, and by the truth itself; and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
5 1:13I had many things to write, but wish not to write to you with ink and pen; 1:14but hope soon to see you, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends salute you; salute the friends by name.