1From the church leader. To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love because we share the truth.

2Dear friend, I know that you are spiritually well. I pray that you're doing well in every other way and that you're healthy. 3I was very happy when some believers came and told us that you are living according to the truth. 4Nothing makes me happier than to hear that my children are living according to the truth.

5Dear friend, you are showing your faith in whatever you do for other believers, especially when they're your guests. 6These believers have told the congregation about your love. You will do well to support them on their trip in a way that proves you belong to God. 7After all, they went on their trip to serve the one named Christ, and they didn't accept any help from the people to whom they went. 8We must support believers who go on trips like this so that we can work together with them in spreading the truth.

9I wrote a letter to the congregation. But Diotrephes, who loves to be in charge, won't accept us. 10For this reason, when I come I will bring up what he's doing. He's not satisfied with saying malicious things about us. He also refuses to accept the believers [we send] as guests. He even tries to stop others who want to accept them and attempts to throw those people out of the congregation.

11Dear friend, never imitate evil, but imitate good. The person who does good is from God. The person who does evil has never seen God. 12Everyone, including the truth itself, says good things about Demetrius. We also say good things about him, and you know that what we say is true.

13I have a lot to write to you. However, I would rather not write.

14I hope to visit you very soon. Then we can talk things over personally. (15) Peace be with you! Your friends here send you their greetings. Greet each of our friends by name.