3 John 1

Greeting

1 The Elder,
To the beloved Gaius, a whom I love in truth:

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater c joy than to hear that d my children walk in 1 truth.

Support and Opposition

5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren 2 and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, 7 because they went forth for His name's sake, e taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to f receive 3 such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, g prating 4 against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

11 Beloved, h do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. i He who does good is of God, 5 but he who does evil has not seen j God. 12 Demetrius k has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also 6 bear witness, l and you know that our testimony is true.

Final Greetings

13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

  1. Cross References
    2 John 1:1
    The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth.
  2. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 2:19
    For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
    1 Thessalonians 2:20
    For you are our glory and joy.
  3. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 4:15
    For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
  4. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:12
    If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.
    1 Corinthians 9:15
    But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.
  5. Cross References
    Matthew 10:40
    He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
    Romans 12:13
    Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
    Hebrews 13:2
    Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
    1 Peter 4:9
    Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
  6. Cross References
    Proverbs 10:8
    The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.
    Proverbs 10:10
    He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall.
  7. Cross References
    Psalms 34:14
    Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pu...
    Psalms 37:27
    Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell foreve...
    Romans 14:19
    Therefore let us pursue the things which make f...
    1 Thessalonians 5:15
    See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone...
    1 Timothy 6:11
    But you, O man of God, flee these things and pu...
    2 Timothy 2:22
    Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousn...
  8. Cross References
    1 John 2:29
    If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.
    1 John 3:10
    In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
  9. Cross References
    1 John 3:10
    In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
  10. Cross References
    Acts 6:3
    Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
    1 Timothy 3:7
    Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
  11. Cross References
    John 19:35
    And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.
    John 21:24
    This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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