1This letter comes from the elder ⁰to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth.

2My friend, I pray most of all that you're doing well and are in good physical health, for I know you're doing well spiritually.

3I was delighted when some fellow-believers arrived and told me about your commitment to the truth, and how you continue living in the truth.

4Nothing makes me happier than to hear how my dear friends are following the truth.

5My friend, you show you are trustworthy in what you're doing by looking after the brothers, ¹even those you don't know.

6They have spoken well about your love in front of the church. Please be so kind as to send them on their journey in a way that God would appreciate,

7for they are traveling in his name, not accepting anything from non-believers. ²

8We ought to support them so we can share together in the truth.

9I did write about this to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves being in charge, ³refuses to accept our authority.

10So if I do visit, I will make it clear what he's been doing. He's been making malicious accusations against us. Not satisfied with doing that, he refuses to welcome any other brothers. He won't let anyone else welcome them either, and throws those who do so out of the church.

11My friend, don't imitate what is evil, but what is good. Those who do what's good belong to God; those who do evil don't know God. ⁴

12Everyone speaks well of Demetrius—and the truth does so too! We also speak well of him, and you know we tell the truth.

13I have so much to say to you, but I don't want to do it in writing with pen and ink.

14I hope to see you soon so we can talk face to face.

15May peace be with you! The friends here send their greetings to you. Please personally greet our friends there by name.