THE
THIRD LETTER OF THE DELEGATE YOHANAN.
[WRITTEN FROM EPHESUS, A. D. 69.]
I.–THE elder to Caius (a Latin name), the beloved, whom I love (agape) in the truth. Beloved, I pray that with respect to all things, you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came, and bore witness to your truth, even as you walk in truth.
4.–I have no greater joy, than that which I have, when I hear my children are walking in truth. Beloved, you are acting faithfully in what you perform for the brethren, and for the strangers. These have carried the testimony to your love (agape), in the presence of the congregation. If you aid them on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well. They went out for his name’s sake receiving nothing from the Gentiles. We, therefore, ought to welcome such with hospitality that we may be joint laborers in the truth. I wrote to the congregation; but Diotrephes, who loves (philo) pre-eminence among them, does not receive us. For this cause, when I come, I will bring his deeds to remembrance which he practices with wicked babbling against us. 11 And, not content with this, he does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who would, and casts them out of the congregation. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good, is of God; but he who does evil, has not seen God.
12 Demetruis has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself: and we add our testimony; and you know that our testimony is true. I have many things to write; but I am not inclined to write them to you with pen and ink: for I hope immediately to see you, and so we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends here, Greet you. Greet the friends by name