
	3 John

	*The apostle commends Gaius for his piety*
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.

	*For his hospitality to the brethren*
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:

	*and for his support of true preachers*
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.

	*He complains of the malicious words and deeds of ambitious Diotrephes*
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.

	*and warns against following and evil example*
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.

	*He gives special testimony to the good character of Demetrius*
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.