St. John praises Gaius for his walking in truth and for his charity, complains of the bad conduct of Diotrephes and gives a good testimony to Demetrius.

3 John Chapter 1

1:1. The Ancient, to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

1:2. Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that thou mayest proceed prosperously and fare well, as thy soul doth prosperously.

1:3. I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony to the truth in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

1:4. I have no greater grace than this, to hear that my children walk in truth.

No greater grace. . .that is nothing that gives me greater joy and satisfaction.

1:5. Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren: and that for strangers,

1:6. Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the church. Whom thou shalt do well to bring forward on their way in a manner worthy of God:

1:7. Because, for his name they went out, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

Taking nothing of the Gentiles. . .These ministers of the gospel are commended by St. John, who took nothing from the Gentiles, lest they should seem to preach in order to get money by it.

1:8. We therefore ought to receive such: that we may be fellow helpers of the truth.

1:9. I had written perhaps to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, doth not receive us.

Diotrephes who loveth. . .This man seemeth to be in power, but not a friend to the faithful; therefore this part of the letter might be an admonition to him from the apostle.

1:11. Dearly beloved, follow not that which is evil: but that which is good. He that doth good is of God: he that doth evil hath not seen God.

1:12. To Demetrius, testimony is given by all, and by the truth itself: yea and we also give testimony. And thou knowest that our testimony is true.

1:13. I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and pen write to thee.

1:14. But I hope speedily to see thee: and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.