1 The elder {presbyteros: overseeing leader} to Gaius, the beloved, whom I love in truth {aletheia: genuine reality}.
2 Beloved {agapete: dearly loved one}, concerning all things I pray that you may prosper and be in good health just as your soul {psyche: inner life} is prospering.
3 For I greatly rejoiced when brothers {adelphoi: fellow believers} came and testified to your truth {aletheia: dependable reality}, just as you walk in truth.
4 I have no greater joy {chara: deep gladness} than this: that I hear that my children are walking in the truth {aletheia: genuine reality}.
5 Beloved {agapete: deeply loved}, you are doing a faithful thing in whatever you accomplish for the brothers—even for strangers {xenous: unfamiliar guests}.
6 They have testified to your love {agape: selfless devotion} before the church; you will do well to send them forward on their way in a manner worthy of God {Theos, Supreme Worth}.
7 For they went out for the sake of the Name {onoma: revered divine authority}, taking nothing from the Gentiles {ethnikos: non-Jewish people}.
8 Therefore, we ought to welcome such people, so that we may become co-workers {synergoi: shared ministry work} for the truth {alētheia: divine reality}.
9 I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes {Diotrephes: self-seeking leader}, who loves to be first among them, does not receive us {epidechetai: show acceptance}.
10 Because of this, if I come, I will call attention to the works which he is doing—slandering us with evil words and not being satisfied with these things; neither does he himself receive the brothers {adelphous: fellow believers}, and he hinders those who wish to, and he casts them out of the assembly {ekklesia: local congregation}.
11 Beloved, do not imitate {mimeomai: follow as example} what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is from God {Theos, Moral Source}; the one who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius {Demetrios: commended brother} has had testimony given about him by all, and by the truth itself; and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true {alethes: reliable statement}.
13 I had many things {polla: numerous matters} to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you with ink {melanos: black writing fluid} and pen.
14 But I hope {elpizo: earnest anticipation} to see you soon, and we will speak mouth to mouth {stoma: direct personal encounter}.
15 Peace {eirene: covenant wholeness} to you. The friends greet you; greet the friends, each by name {onoma: personal designation}.