John's Commendation of Gaius and Rebuke of Diotrephes
3 John 1:1-15
3John.1.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πρεσβυτερος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- Γαιω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αγαπητω: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- αγαπω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- εν: PREP
- αληθεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 John 1:1 (structural): Same Johannine epistolary opening and self-designation 'The elder' (Ὁ πρεσβύτερος), showing the same authorial voice and letter form.
- 1 John 3:18 (verbal): Both texts link love with 'truth' (ἀλήθειᾳ/ἐν ἀληθείᾳ) — here 'whom I love in truth' parallels the injunction to love 'in deed and in truth.'
- 2 John 1:4 (thematic): Both verses emphasize 'walking/loving in the truth' as a hallmark of the community and the author's joy/affection toward those faithful to the truth.
- Romans 16:23 (allusion): Another New Testament mention of a Gaius (host of Paul and the whole church), providing a possible social-network parallel for the addressee's name and role in early Christian hospitality.
Alternative generated candidates
- The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
- The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
3John.1.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Αγαπητε: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- περι: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- ευχομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- ευοδουσθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- και: CONJ
- υγιαινειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- καθως: CONJ
- ευοδουται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ψυχη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:7-8 (thematic): Connects right fear/trust of the LORD with health for the body—links inner/spiritual well‑being to physical flourishing much like 3 John’s wish that bodily prosperity mirror the soul’s prosperity.
- Proverbs 14:30 (thematic): ‘A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh’ explicitly ties the state of the inner life (heart/soul) to bodily health, reflecting the same soul↔body correlation in 3 John 1:2.
- Psalm 41:3 (thematic): Speaks of God sustaining and restoring one’s health in times of illness; echoes the prayerful concern in 3 John for the addressee’s bodily well‑being alongside spiritual welfare.
- John 10:10 (thematic): Jesus’ promise of abundant life connects to the fuller flourishing of the person (life in soul and body); thematically parallels the wish that one prosper and be in health as the soul prospers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Beloved, I pray that in every way you prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
- Beloved, I pray that in all things you may prosper and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3John.1.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εχαρην: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- λιαν: ADV
- ερχομενων: VERB,pres,mp,ptc,gen,pl,m
- αδελφων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- μαρτυρουντων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,gen,pl,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αληθεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- καθως: CONJ
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- εν: PREP
- αληθεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- περιπατεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
Parallels
- 2 John 1:4 (verbal): Very close verbal and situational parallel — the author expresses great joy on learning that some of the addressee's children are "walking in the truth."
- 1 John 1:6-7 (thematic): Shares the motif of 'walking' as moral/spiritual conduct contrasted with darkness; walking in the light/truth characterizes authentic fellowship with God.
- 1 John 2:3-6 (verbal): Develops the same proof-text principle: true knowledge/relationship with Christ is evidenced by obedience and 'walking' as he walked — connecting truth with praxis.
- John 14:6 (thematic): Provides foundational Johannine theology of 'the Truth' (Jesus as way and truth), which undergirds the ethical claim that to 'walk in truth' is to follow Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and bore witness to your truth — how you walk in the truth.
- For I rejoiced greatly when some brothers arrived and testified to your truth—how you walk in the truth.
3John.1.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μειζοτεραν: ADJ,comp,acc,sg,f
- τουτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εχω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- χαραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- ακουω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εμα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αληθεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- περιπατουντα: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 John 1:4 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and thought — the writer's joy in finding/knowing that his children are walking in the truth.
- 3 John 1:3 (verbal): Immediate context/parallel in the same letter: expresses rejoicing that news has come about the recipient's faithful walk in the truth.
- 1 John 2:3-6 (thematic): Connects ‘walking in the truth’ with authentic knowledge of Christ and obedience — walking as the visible proof of relationship with God.
- 1 John 1:6-7 (thematic): Contrasts walking in darkness vs walking in the light/truth; emphasizes fellowship and right living as evidence of being in the truth, echoing the joy over believers who walk rightly.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth.
- I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children walk in the truth.
3John.1.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Αγαπητε: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- πιστον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- ποιεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εαν: CONJ
- εργαση: VERB,aor,act,sub,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αδελφους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ξενους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 12:13 (thematic): Urges believers to contribute to the needs of the saints and to practice hospitality, paralleling Gaius’ faithful service to brothers and strangers.
- Hebrews 13:2 (verbal): Explicitly warns not to neglect hospitality to strangers—closely echoes the commendation for showing hospitality to traveling brothers.
- 1 Peter 4:9-10 (verbal): Calls Christians to show hospitality to one another without grumbling and to use gifts to serve, matching the communal service praised in 3 John.
- Matthew 25:35 (thematic): Jesus’ identification of welcoming strangers ('I was a stranger and you welcomed me') provides theological motivation for the hospitality commended in 3 John.
- Leviticus 19:34 (allusion): The OT command to love the resident alien as a native supplies the ethical background for New Testament emphasis on caring for 'strangers.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Beloved, you practice faithfulness in whatever you accomplish for the brothers and for strangers,
- Beloved, you practice faithfulness in whatever you do for the brothers and for strangers,
3John.1.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- εμαρτυρησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αγαπη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ενωπιον: PREP
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- καλως: ADV
- ποιησεις: VERB,fut,act,ind,2,sg
- προπεμψας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- αξιως: ADV
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου·: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 16:1-2 (thematic): Commends Phoebe, a carrier/benefactor sent to the church and asks the church to receive her—parallel in advocating hospitality and honorable treatment of itinerant workers.
- Acts 16:15 (thematic): Lydia receives Paul and his companions into her home and provides hospitality to traveling missionaries, an example of the welcome praised in 3 John.
- 2 John 1:10-11 (verbal): Contrasts receiving true brothers (as in 3 John) with receiving false teachers into one’s house; directly relates to the Johannine concern about who is to be hosted.
- 1 Peter 4:9-10 (thematic): Exhorts believers to show hospitality without grumbling and to use gifts in serving one another—echoes the ethical and communal dimensions of Gaius’s hospitality.
- Hebrews 13:2 (thematic): Urges not to neglect hospitality to strangers (some entertained angels unawares), emphasizing the moral and potentially sacred significance of welcoming travelers as in 3 John.
Alternative generated candidates
- who have borne witness to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
- who testified before the church of your love; you will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
3John.1.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- υπερ: PREP
- γαρ: PART
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ονοματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- εξηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- μηδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- λαμβανοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εθνικων: ADJ,gen,pl,masc
Parallels
- Acts 5:41 (thematic): Uses the phrase 'for the name' and celebrates suffering/missionary activity done for the sake of Jesus' name, paralleling 'they went out for the sake of the name.'
- Luke 9:3 (verbal): Jesus instructs his sent disciples to take nothing for the journey ('take nothing'), echoing the practice of missionaries who accepted no external support.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (thematic): Paul stresses working night and day so as not to be a burden—parallel concern with ministers not receiving support from those to whom they minister.
- 2 Corinthians 11:8-9 (allusion): Paul explains how he avoided burdening certain churches and received support elsewhere; relates to the choice of these missionaries to accept nothing from the Gentiles.
Alternative generated candidates
- For they went forth for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
- For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. For we ought to support such people so that we become fellow-workers for the truth.
3John.1.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- ουν: CONJ
- οφειλομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- υπολαμβανειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- τοιουτους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- ινα: CONJ
- συνεργοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- γινωμεθα: VERB,pres,mid/pass,subj,1,pl
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αληθεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 (verbal): Uses the same term συνεργοί (fellow workers) about believers’ cooperative role in God’s work, paralleling 'so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.'
- 2 Corinthians 6:1 (verbal): Paul addresses believers as 'workers together' (συνεργοί) with God, echoing the language of partnership and joint labor found in 3 John 1:8.
- Matthew 10:40 (thematic): Jesus teaches that receiving his messengers is tantamount to receiving him—paralleling 3 John’s call to welcome itinerant workers so believers may cooperate in the mission of truth.
- John 13:20 (thematic): 'Whoever receives anyone I send receives me' thematically aligns with 3 John’s instruction to receive such people, linking hospitality to participation in Christ’s mission.
- 2 John 1:8 (allusion): Same Johannine circle concern: maintaining and supporting the work of truth so as not to forfeit what has been worked but to share in the reward—closely related to the motive for receiving fellow workers in 3 John 1:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- We therefore ought to show hospitality to such people, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.
- I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not acknowledge us.
3John.1.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εγραψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εκκλησια·αλλ᾽ο: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- φιλοπρωτευων: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- Διοτρεφης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- επιδεχεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
Parallels
- 2 John 1:10-11 (verbal): Directly parallels the issue of receiving itinerant brethren: 3 John condemns Diotrephes for not receiving 'us,' while 2 John instructs believers not to receive those who bring false teaching—both concern hospitality/recognition of travelling teachers.
- Luke 22:24-26 (thematic): Jesus rebukes contention about who is greatest and insists leaders must be servants—contrasts with Diotrephes' 'love of being first' (philoprotuein).
- Philippians 2:3-4 (thematic): Paul exhorts against selfish ambition and vainglory and calls for humility—ethical opposition to Diotrephes' desire for preeminence.
- James 3:14-16 (thematic): James links bitter jealousy and selfish ambition with disorder and evil practices, paralleling the destructive communal effects of Diotrephes' love of prominence.
- 1 Peter 5:2-3 (structural): Peter instructs elders not to 'lord it over' the flock but to be examples—offers a prescriptive counterpoint to Diotrephes' domineering leadership.
Alternative generated candidates
- I wrote a letter to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not welcome the brothers.
- Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing—spreading malicious words against us.
3John.1.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δια: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- εαν: CONJ
- ελθω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- υπομνησω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εργα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ποιει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- λογοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- πονηροις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- φλυαρων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- αρκουμενος: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- τουτοις: DEM,dat,pl,m
- ουτε: CONJ
- αυτος: PRON,nom,sg,3,m
- επιδεχεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αδελφους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- βουλομενους: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,acc,pl,m
- κωλυει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- εκ: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εκβαλλει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 2 John 1:10-11 (verbal): Same Johannine concern about hospitality to those who deny the teaching: do not receive such a person into your house or greet them—parallels Diotrephes' refusal to welcome brothers.
- Matthew 18:15-17 (structural): Prescribes escalating steps for dealing with an unrepentant offender, culminating in exclusion from the community—parallel to confronting and excluding Diotrephes for his conduct.
- Titus 1:10-11 (verbal): Paul warns about 'insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers' who disrupt households—language and characterization echo the 'evil talkers' and troublemaking in 3 John.
- 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 (structural): Paul commands the church to disassociate and expel a persistently sinful member—parallels the practice of removing obstructive members described in 3 John.
- Romans 16:17-18 (thematic): Warning against those who cause divisions by smooth talk and selfish ambition—thematically similar to Diotrephes' slander, refusal to welcome brethren, and creating schism.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he does — slandering us with malicious words. Not content with that, he himself does not receive the brothers, and forbids those who would, expelling them from the church.
- Not satisfied with that, he himself refuses to receive the brothers, and forbids those who wish to receive them, and expels them from the church.
3John.1.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Αγαπητε: ADJ,voc,sg,m
- μη: PART
- μιμου: VERB,pres,mid,imper,2,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- κακον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αλλα: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αγαθον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- αγαθοποιων: PTCP,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εκ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εστιν·ο: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- κακοποιων: PTCP,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- ουχ: PART,neg
- εωρακεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 12:9 (verbal): Commands mirror each other: 'Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good' parallels 'do not imitate evil but imitate good.'
- 1 John 3:10 (thematic): Distinguishes children of God by moral practice — 'whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God' echoes 'the one who does evil has not seen God.'
- 1 John 4:7-8 (thematic): Links knowing God with right moral disposition — 'whoever does not love does not know God' parallels 3 John’s equation of goodness with being from God and evil with not seeing/knowing God.
- 1 Peter 3:11 (verbal): Same moral imperative: 'let him turn away from evil and do good' closely echoes the exhortation to reject evil and pursue good.
- Matthew 7:16-20 (structural): Judging identity by deeds: 'you will know them by their fruits' parallels 3 John’s idea that doing good identifies one as from God, while evil shows separation from God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. The one who does good is from God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
- Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. Whoever does good is of God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
3John.1.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Δημητριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μεμαρτυρηται: VERB,perf,mp,ind,3,sg
- υπο: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- υπο: PREP
- αυτης: PRO,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αληθειας·και: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- δε: CONJ
- μαρτυρουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- και: CONJ
- οιδας: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,sg
- οτι: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- μαρτυρια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- αληθης: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:18 (verbal): Speaks of a brother 'praised by all the churches'—parallel to Demetrius being testified of by everyone (similar language of public commendation).
- John 3:33 (thematic): Links testimony and truth: 'He who has received his testimony has set his seal... that God is true,' echoing 3 John’s claim that the author’s testimony about Demetrius is true.
- 1 John 5:9-10 (thematic): Discusses the weight and truth of testimony ('If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater')—relates to verifying the truthfulness of apostolic witness in 3 John 1:12.
- John 8:17 (allusion): Refers to the law’s principle that the testimony of two is true; 3 John’s 'you know that our testimony is true' evokes the concern for validating witness and credibility.
Alternative generated candidates
- Demetrius has a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true.
- Demetrius is commended by everyone—and by the truth itself—and we also bear witness; and you know that our testimony is true.
3John.1.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Πολλα: ADJ,acc,pl,neut
- ειχον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- γραψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- αλλ᾽ου: CONJ
- θελω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δια: PREP
- μελανος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- καλαμου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- γραφειν·: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- 2 John 1:12 (verbal): Nearly identical wording: the author says he has many things to write but will not write to them with ink and pen, expressing a preference for personal rather than epistolary communication.
- Galatians 6:11 (thematic): Paul draws attention to the manner of his writing ('see with what large letters I write to you'), a related concern with the physical form and personal mark of a letter contrasted with impersonal writing.
- 1 Corinthians 16:21 (verbal): Paul adds a personal touch by noting that he writes the greeting with his own hand, paralleling 3 John’s contrast between impersonal ink-and-pen writing and personal, face-to-face communication.
- Philemon 1:19 (thematic): Paul states 'I, Paul, write this with my own hand,' emphasizing personal responsibility and the authenticity of a handwritten note—echoing the theme of personal versus merely ink-written communication in 3 John.
Alternative generated candidates
- I had many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
- I had many things to write to you, but I will not write them with ink and pen;
3John.1.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ελπιζω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ευθεως: ADV
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- ιδειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- και: CONJ
- στομα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- προς: PREP
- στομα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- λαλησομεν: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- 2 John 1:12 (verbal): Almost identical wording in a Johannine letter: the author prefers personal visit to writing ('I hope to come to you, and speak face to face' / στόμα πρὸς στόμα).
- 1 Corinthians 13:12 (thematic): Uses 'face to face' imagery (πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον) to contrast present mediated communication with direct, personal encounter—similar theme of preferring direct, personal relation.
- Romans 1:11-12 (thematic): Paul expresses a longing to visit in person ('I long to see you... that we may be mutually encouraged'), paralleling the desire for personal presence and face-to-face encouragement.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 (thematic): Paul describes repeated attempts and a strong desire to visit the Thessalonians in person ('we wanted to come to you...'), reflecting the apostolic motif of longing for personal, face-to-face fellowship.
Alternative generated candidates
- but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
- for I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face.
3John.1.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ειρηνη: NOUN,voc,sg,f
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- ασπαζονται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,pl
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- φιλοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ασπαζου: VERB,pres,mid,imp,2,sg
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- φιλους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- κατ᾽ονομα: PREP
Parallels
- 2 John 1:13 (structural): Similar closing formula: a brief farewell with greetings from 'the children of your sister'—same epistolary practice of sending greetings and a short benediction.
- 1 Peter 5:14 (verbal): Combines the wishes of peace with mutual greetings ('Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all') closely paralleling the twin elements 'Peace to you' and sending greetings.
- Romans 16:16 (verbal): Commands mutual greeting ('Greet one another with a holy kiss'), reflecting the early Christian custom of personal salutations found in 3 John’s closing.
- Colossians 4:15 (thematic): Paul sends greetings to a specific house church and an individual ('the brethren at Laodicea and Nympha'), paralleling 3 John’s instruction to greet 'the friends by name' (personalized salutations).
- 1 Corinthians 16:20 (verbal): Epistolary close combining communal greetings and the kiss-salutation ('All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss'), echoing 3 John’s brief communal farewell and instructions about greeting friends.
Alternative generated candidates
- The children of your chosen sister greet you.
- Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Beloved, I pray that you prosper in every way and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.
For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and bore witness to your truth—how you walk in the truth.
I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children walk in the truth.
Beloved, you practice faithfulness in whatever you do for the brothers and for strangers;
they have borne witness to your love before the church; you will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, does not acknowledge us. So if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing—maliciously slandering us with wicked words. And not content with this, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and he forbids those who would welcome them, and expels them from the church.
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. The one who does good is from God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
Demetrius receives a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
I had many things to write to you, but I would rather not write them to you with ink and pen.
I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.
Peace be to you. The friends send you their greetings. Greet the friends by name.