3 John — A Translation

The Third Letter of John

A translation by Alex Joyner

From the elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the Truth.

My beloved friend, I pray that you prosper in all things and in good health, just as your soul prospers. What joy I felt when our emissaries came to bear witness to the Truth in you, how you are walking in the Truth! I don’t have any greater joy than this — when I hear my children are walking in the truth.

My beloved friend, you are faithful in carrying out works on behalf of fellow believers even when they are strangers. They have testified to your love before the community. You have done well by sending them forth in a manner befitting of God. For they went forth for the sake of the Name, taking no provision from the Gentiles. We ought to support such workers in order that we may be coworkers in the Truth.

I wrote something to the community, but Diotrephes, who loves to set himself up as first, does not acknowledge us. Because of this, if I come, I will remind you of the things he does, all while bringing baseless charges against us with wicked words. More than this, he also doesn’t welcome fellow believers and forbids those who would do so, expelling them from the community.

My beloved friend, don’t imitate the wicked, but the good. Whoever does good is from God. Whoever does wickedly has not seen God.

Demetrius has been testified to by all and by Truth itself. We testify as well and you know that our testimony is true.

I had many things to write to you but I don’t want to set down my words to you with ink and reed. I hope to see you soon and we will speak, as it were, mouth to mouth.

Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends there according to the name.