Dual Panel1THE elder sends this letter to my very dear friend Gaius whom I love sincerely.
2My prayer for you, my very dear friend, is that you may be as healthy and prosperous in every way as you are in soul.
3I was delighted when the brothers arrived and spoke so highly of the sincerity of your lifeobviously you are living in the truth.
4Nothing brings me greater joy than hearing that my children are living in the truth.
5You are doing a fine faithful piece of work, dear friend, in looking after the brothers who come your way, especially when you have never seen them before.
6They have testified to your love before the church here. It is a fine thing to help them on their wayyou realize the importance of what they are doing for God.
7They set out on this work for the sake of "the name" and they accept no help from nonChristians.
8We ought to give such men every support and prove that we too are cooperating with the truth.
9I did write a letter to the church, but Diotrephes, who wants to be head of everything, does not recognise us!
10If I do come to you, I shall not forget his actions nor the slanderous things he has said in spite against us. And it doesn't stop there, for he refuses to welcome the brothers himself, and stops those who would like to do sohe even excommunicates them!
11Never let evil be your example, dear friend of mine, but good. The man who does good is God's man, but the man who does evil has never seen God. Everyone has a good word to say for
12Demetrius, and the very truth speaks well of him. He has our warm recommendation also, and you know you can trust what we say about anyone.
13There is a great deal I want to say to you but I can't put it down in black and white.
14I hope to see you before long, and we will have a hearttoheart talk. Peace be with you. All our friends here send love: please give ours personally to all our friends.