The Third Epistle of John
- Author: Apostle John
- Place Written: Ephesus, or near
- Writing Completed: c. 98 C.E.
Walking In the Truth
1 The elder[1] to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved one, I pray that in all things you continue to prosper[2] and enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, just as you are walking in the truth. 4 No greater joy do I have than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
Gaius Commended
5 Beloved ones, you act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, especially when they are strangers; 6 who testified to your love before the congregation.[3] You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they went out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.
Ambitious Diotrephes
9 I wrote something to the congregation;[4] but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not receive us.[5] 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words;[6] and not satisfied with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and he hinders those wanting to do so and throws them out of the congregation.[7]
Demetrius Good Testimony
11 Beloved one, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I have many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you by means of ink and pen;[8] 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.[9]
15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
[1] Gr presbyteros
[2] Lit to make one’s way well
[3] Gr ekklesia (“assembly;” “congregation, i.e., of Christians”)
[4] Gr ekklesia (“assembly;” “congregation, i.e., of Christians”)
[5] Or what we say
[6] Lit chattering about us with wicked words
[7] Gr ekklesia (“assembly”)
[8] Lit reed
[9] Lit mouth to mouth
