2Beloved, I wish above all things that youⁱ may prosper and be in health, even as yourⁱ soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in youⁱ, even as youⁱ walk in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

5Beloved, youⁱ do faithfully whatsoever youⁱ do to the brethren, and to strangers; 6Which have borne witness of yourⁱ charity before the church: whom if youⁱ bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, youⁱ shall do well: 7Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Goyim [Gentiles]. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes [nourished by the supreme god (Jupiter)], who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not. 10For what reason, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, babbling (chattering) against us with malicious words: and not content with that, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and forbids them that would, and casts [them] out of the church.

11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God-The Father: but he that does evil has not seen God-The Father. 12Demetrius [belonging to Ceres - goddess of agriculture (etymology uncertain)] has good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yes, and we [also] bear record; and you^2f know that our record is true.

13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto youⁱ:

14But I trust I shall shortly see youⁱ, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to youⁱ. [Our] friends salute youⁱ. Greet the friends by name.