The Third Epistle of JOHN

[1 He commendeth Gaius for his piety. 5 and hospitality to true preachers:
9 he censureth Diotrephes, and threateneth him for his ambitious opposition,
11 whose evil example is not to be followed]

THE elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom 
I love in the truth. 
2 Beloved , I wish above all thing 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.
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:
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 fellow-helpers to the truth. 
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth 
to have the pre-eminence 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. 
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.
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.