The elderly man to Gaius the beloved one, whom I love in truth:
O beloved one, I wish for you to prosper in all things and to be healthy, just as your soul is prospering. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified that you were in the truth, just as you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this: that I hear my children walking in the truth.
Beloved one, you are doing faithfully whatever you work for the brothers, and this to strangers! They testified about your love in the presence of the assembly. You will do well to send them out in a manner worthy of God, for they went out on behalf of the name, taking nothing from the gentiles. Therefore, we are bound to take such people in, so that we would be working together for the truth.
I wrote something to the assembly, but the one who loves to be foremost among them, Diotrefes, does not receive us. For this reason, if I come, I will remember those deeds of his that he is doing, talking trash to us with evil words. And since he is not satisfied with these things, he doesn't even receive the brothers, and he casts from the assembly those who want to receive them.
Beloved one, don't imitate the bad thing but the good. The one who does good is from God. The one who does bad is has not seen God. Demetrius has been testified about by all, and even by the truth itself. Now we also testify, and you know, that our testimony is true.
I had many things to write to you about, but I don't want to write to you with ink and pen. But I hope to see you immediately, and we will speak mouth to mouth.
Peace to you. Friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Return to the NET Contents Page