^aThe elder of the church addresses this letter to the beloved and esteemed ^bGaius, whom I ^clove in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health physically, just as I know your soul prospers spiritually. 3 For I ^awas greatly pleased when some of the ^bbrothers came from time to time and testified to your faithfulness to the truth of the gospel message, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that ^amy spiritual children are ^bliving their lives in the truth.

5 Beloved, you are acting faithfully in what you are providing for the ^abrothers, and especially when they are ^bstrangers; 6 and they have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to assist them and ^asend them on their way in a manner ^bworthy of God. 7 For these traveling missionaries went out for the sake of ^athe Name of Christ, ^baccepting nothing in the way of assistance from the Gentiles. 8 So we ought to support such people welcoming them as guests and providing for them, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth that is, for the gospel message of salvation.

9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to ^aput himself first, does not accept what we say and refuses to recognize my authority. 10 For this reason, ^aif I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, unjustly accusing us with wicked words and unjustified charges. And not satisfied with this, he refuses to ^breceive the missionary ^cbrothers himself, and also forbids those who want to welcome them and ^dputs them out of the church.

11 Beloved, ^ado not imitate what is evil, but imitate what is good. ^bThe one who practices good exhibiting godly character, moral courage and personal integrity is of God; ^cthe one who practices or permits or tolerates evil has not seen God he has no personal experience with Him and does not know Him at all. 1+@John 3:6 12 Demetrius ^ahas received a good testimony and commendation from everyone—and from the truth the standard of God’s word itself; and we add our testimony and speak well of him, and ^byou know that our testimony is true.

13 ^aI had many things to say when I began to write to you, but I prefer not to put it down with pen (reed) and ¹black (ink) ; 14 but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak ¹face to face. Num 12:8

15 ^aPeace be to you. The friends here greet you. Greet the friends personally ^bby name.