1:1 The Elder,To dear Gaius, whom I truly love:

1:2 Dear one, above all I trust that you are prospering and continuing in good health, just as your soul prospers.

1:3 For I was overjoyed when the brothers and sisters came and testified that you live out the truth.

1:4 Nothing gives me greater happiness than to hear that my little ones in the faith do this.

1:5 Loved one, you are faithfully carrying out your work for the believers and even for strangers,

1:6 who vouch for your love in the sight of the Congregation. You will do well to send them forward in a way worthy of God,

1:7 because they came out of their former nations with nothing, for the sake of the Name.

1:8 So we should pick up the slack for them so we can be co-workers for the truth.

1:9 I wrote something to the Congregation, but Diotrephes, who loves to be in charge, refuses to accept us.

1:10 Therefore, if I come I will make known the things he’s doing and the wicked gossip he’s spreading about us. Not satisfied with that, he also refuses to accept the brothers and sisters, and he prevents people from joining the Congregation and throws them out.

1:11 Dear one, do not imitate evil but only good. The one who does good is from God, but the one who does evil has not seen God.

1:12 Demetrius has a good reputation from everyone and by the truth itself. We concur, and you know our testimony is true.

1:13 I had much to write to you but I don’t want to do so with ink and pen.

1:14 I hope to see you immediately and speak to you face-to-face. Peace to you! The dear ones greet you by name.