1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6They 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, 7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. 10Therefore, 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.
11Beloved, 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. 12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; 14but 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.
John and his brother James left their family fishing business to follow Jesus. As one of the inner three disciples, John was present at some of the most memorable parts of Jesus ministry (cf Matt 17:1; Mk 5:37; 9:2; 14:33). He was referred to by three nicknames, one given to him and his brother by Jesus: “Boanerges, that is “Sons of Thunder” (Mk 3:17). Another name, the beloved disciple, is one he bestowed on himself, and is used only in the Gospel he wrote (Jn 13:21, 19:26-27). He also refers to himself as “the Elder” in 2 and 3 John. While Jesus was on the cross, He entrusted John with the care of Mary, His mother (Jn 19:26-27). After Jesus’ resurrection John was one of the leading figures of the early church and was arrested with Peter for preaching the word (Acts 4:1-4). Fourteen years after his conversion, Paul referred to him as a pillar of the church (Gal 2:9). Eventually John went to Ephesus and from there was banished to Patmos for “the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev 1:9) It was on Patmos that John was given the revelation of the end of time by Jesus Christ Himself.