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¹ The elder to the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.² Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

³ For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.⁵ Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;⁶ Who have borne testimony of thy charity before the church: whom if thou shalt bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou wilt do well:⁷ Because for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing from the Gentiles.⁸ We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow-helpers to the truth.

⁹ I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not.¹⁰ Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content with that, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.¹¹ Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

¹² Demetrius hath good report by all [men], and by the truth itself: and we [also] bear testimony; and ye know that our testimony is true.¹³ I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to thee:¹⁴ But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

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