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The Third Epistle of John

⭑ Berean Study Bible :: World English Bible Catholic ⭑

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- Chapter 1 -

(2 John 1:1–3)
1
The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
2
Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.
3
For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.
4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Gaius Commended for Hospitality

5
Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you.
6
They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
7
For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
8
Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

9
I have written to the church about this,(a) but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
10
So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.
11
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
12
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.

Conclusion

(2 John 1:12–13)
13
I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.
14
Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face.(b) Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.

Footnotes

(a)1:9 Literally I have written something to the church
(b)1:14 Literally and we will speak mouth to mouth; some translators begin a new verse (15) after face to face.
(2 John 1:1–3)
1
The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
3
For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
4
I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.

Gaius Commended for Hospitality

5
Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
6
They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,
7
because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

9
I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.
10
Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
11
Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.
12
Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

Conclusion

(2 John 1:12–13)
13
I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
14
but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
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