Chapter 1

The Presbyter to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.

I rejoiced greatly when some brethren came and bore witness to thy truth, even as thou walkest in the truth.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Beloved, thou dost in accordance with faith whatever thou workest for the brethren, and that even when they are strangers.

They have borne witness to thy love before the church. Thou wilt do well to see them off on their journey in a manner worthy of God.

For on behalf of the Name they have gone forth, taking nothing from the pagans.

We therefore ought to support such as these, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.

I would have written perhaps to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to have the first place among them, does not receive us.

Therefore if I come, I will recall to mind his works, prating against us with evil words; and as if this were not enough for him, he himself does not receive the brethren, and those who do so he hinders, and casts them out of the church.

Beloved, do not imitate evil, but that which is good. He who does what is good is of God; he who does what is evil has not seen God.

Witness is borne to Demetrius by all, and by the truth itself, yes, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true.

I have much to write to thee; but I do not want to write to thee with pen and ink.

But I hope to see thee shortly, and we will speak face to face.

Peace be to thee. The friends greet thee. Greet the friends by name.