John's Commendation of Gaius and Rebuke of Diotrephes
3 John 1:1-15
1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.2Beloved, concerning all things I pray that you may prosper and be in health, just as your soul prospers.3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified concerning your truth, just as you walk in truth.4I do not have greater joy than these things, in order that I may hear my children walking in the truth.5Beloved, you perform a faithful act whenever you work for the brothers, and this for foreigners.6They testified of your love before the assembly; you will do well to send them on in a manner worthy of God.7For they went out for the sake of the name, receiving nothing from the Gentiles.8We therefore ought to receive such persons so that we may become fellow workers with the truth.9I wrote something to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not receive us.10For this reason, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, speaking nonsense against us with malicious words; and not content with these things, he himself does not receive the brothers, prevents those who wish to do so, and expels them from the assembly.11Beloved, do not imitate evil but good. The one who does good is from God. The one who does evil has not seen God.12Demetrius has received testimony from everyone and from the truth itself; we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.13Although I have many things to write to you, I do not wish to write with ink and pen.14I hope to see you soon, and we will speak mouth to mouth.15Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.