2Our beloved, I pray above all things, that you may prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified concerning the truth that is in you, even as you live a true life. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children follow the truth.

5Our beloved, you do faithfully that which you do to the brethren, especially to those who are strangers; 6Who have borne witness concerning your love before the whole church: for the good things which you have done for them by supplying their needs, as is pleasing to God, 7Because they have gone forth for his name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8We, therefore, ought to welcome such, so that we may be fellow helpers to the truth.

9I wrote to the church, that Di-ot’re-phes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, would not receive us. 10Therefore, if I come, I will mention the things which he did, gossiping against us with malicious words: and not content with this, he not only did not receive the brethren, but also forbade those who would like to receive them, and cast them out of the church.

11Our beloved, do not follow that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God: but he who does evil has not seen God. 12De-me’tri-us has good report of all men, and of the church, and of the truth itself: yea, we also testify for him; and we know that our testimony is true.

13I had many things to write, but I do not want to write them to you with ink and pen:

14But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face.