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

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.

5 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, 7 because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.

11 Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God. 12 Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; 14 but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.

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

1 我这作长老的写信给亲爱的该犹， 就是我在真理中所爱的。

2 亲爱的， 我祝你凡事亨通， 身体健壮， 正如你的灵魂安泰一样。

3 有些弟兄来到， 证实你心中存有真理， 就是你按真理行事， 我就非常欣慰。

4 我听见我的儿女按真理行事， 我的喜乐没有比这更大的了。

5 亲爱的， 你向弟兄所行的， 特别是向外地来的弟兄所行的， 都是出于忠心。

6 他们在教会面前证实了你的爱； 你照着 神所喜悦的， 资助他们的旅程， 这样是好的。

7 因为他们为主的名出外， 并没有从教外人接受什么。

8 所以我们应当接待这样的人， 好让我们为了真理成为同工。

9 我曾经略略写信给你那里的教会， 但他们中间那好作领袖的丢特腓不接待我们。

10 因此， 我来的时候， 必要提起他所作的事， 就是他用恶言中伤我们； 这还不够， 他不但不接待弟兄， 还要阻止那些想要接待的人， 甚至把他们赶出教会。

11 亲爱的， 不要效法恶， 应该效法善。行善的属于 神， 作恶的没有见过 神。

12 低米丢行善， 有众人为他作证， 真理本身也为他作证。我们也为他作证， 你知道我们的见证是真的。

13 我还有许多话要写给你， 可是我不愿借用笔墨。

14 我盼望很快就见到你， 当面谈谈。 [ (III John 1:15) 愿你平安。这里的朋友都问候你。请你一一提名问候你那里的朋友。 ]