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3 John

Commends hospitality and faithful service, contrasting godly leaders with those who seek their own gain. ... click to read full summary of this book.

Chapter 1

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

To the dear friend Gaius, whom I deeply respect - I love you in truth.

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

Dear one, I most greatly desire for you to thrive and be healthy, just like how your soul is flourishing.

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

I was very happy when my friends arrived and told me about how truthful you are, just like how you always act honestly.

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

Hearing that my kids follow the truth brings me the greatest happiness.

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

Dear one, you are truly faithful as you help both your fellow believers and others who are not from our group.

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:

Which testified about your kindness in front of the church: if you help them continue their trip in a good way, you will do the right thing.

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

They left because of his name, not taking anything from non-Jewish people.

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

So, we should welcome them to help us support the truth together.

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

I told the church something, but Diotrephes, who likes being the most important, won't accept us.

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 arrive, I will recall his actions and the harm he causes with mean words against us. He also doesn't let the other believers join, stops those who want to, and expels them from 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.

Dear one, avoid bad things and choose what is good. People who do good come from God, but those who do bad have never truly known Him.

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 a good reputation from everyone, including the truth itself. We also confirm this, and you know our testimony is true.

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

I had lots to say, but I won't write it with ink and a pen to you.

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.

But I believe that soon I will see you, and then we can talk directly. Peace to you. Our friends send their greetings. Say hello to the friends by their names.

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