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The elder
unto the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved I wish in
all things that thou prosperedest and faredest well even as thy soul
prospereth. I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came, and testified
of the truth that is in thee, how thou walkest in truth. I have no
greater joy than for to hear how that my sons walk in verity.
Beloved, thou dost faithfully whatsoever thou dost to the
brethren, and to strangers, which bare witness of thy love before
all the congregation. Which brethren when thou bringest forwards on
their journey (as it beseemeth God) thou shalt do well: because that
for his names sake they went forth, and took nothing of the
Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we also might be
helpers to the truth.
I wrote unto the congregation: but Diotrephes which loveth to
have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore if I
come, I will declare his deeds which he doeth, jesting on us with
malicious words, neither is therewith content. Not only he himself
receiveth not the brethren: but also he forbiddeth them that would,
and thrusteth them out of the congregation.
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is
good. He that doeth well is of God: but he that doeth evil seeth not
God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth: ye and
we our selves also bear record, and ye know that our record is true.
I have many things to write: but I will not with ink and pen write
unto thee. For I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak
mouth to mouth. Peace be with thee. The lovers salute thee. Greet
the lovers by name. |
