The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.

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

For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.

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

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

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you.

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:

They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

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

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

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

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

I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.

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.

So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.

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.

Beloved, 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.

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.

Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.

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

I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.

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.

Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.