2Our beloved, I pray for you that you will prosper in all things and be well, just as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoice much that the brethren came and testified about your faithfulness, how you walk in the truth. 4For I have no greater joy than this, that I hear that my children are walking in the truth.

5Our beloved, by faith you do that which you do to the brethren, and especially those who are strangers, 6Those who have testified of your love before all the churches. You did well when you gave them necessities, as is becoming to God. 7For the sake of his name they went out, not taking anything from the Gentiles; 8Therefore we are indebted to receive such as these, that we may be helpers for the truth.

9I desired to write to The Assembly, but he who loves to be their number one, Diotrephis, does not receive us. 10Therefore, if I come, I will remember his works, which he did when he slandered us with wicked words; and when that was not enough for him, he did not receive the brethren, and those who do receive them, he forbids and throws out of the church.

11Our beloved, do not imitate evil, but the good. One who does good is from God. One who does evil has not seen God. 12Concerning Demetrius, he has a testimony from everyone and that of the assembly, as well as that of the truth, and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

13I have much to write to you, but have not desired to write to you with ink and pen.

14But I hope that I shall see you soon, and we shall speak face-to-face. [15] Peace be with you. The friends invoke your peace. Invoke the peace of the friends, each person by name.