若望三书 1

1The ancient to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that thou mayest proceed prosperously, and fare well as thy soul doth prosperously.

3I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony to the truth in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

4I have no greater grace than this, to hear that my children walk in truth.

5Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren, and that for strangers,

6Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the church: whom thou shalt do well to bring forward on their way in a manner worthy of God.

7Because, for his name they went out, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow helpers of the truth.

9I had written perhaps to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, doth not receive us.

10For this cause, if I come, I will advertise his works which he doth, with malicious words prating against us. And as if these things were not enough for him, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that do receive them he forbiddeth, and casteth out of the church.

11Dearly beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth good, is of God: he that doth evil, hath not seen God.

12To Demetrius testimony is given by all, and by the truth itself, yea and we also give testimony: and thou knowest that our testimony is true.

13I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and pen write to thee.

14But I hope speedily to see thee, and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.

1Senior Gajo carissimo, quem ego diligo in veritate.

2Carissime, de omnibus orationem facio prospere te ingredi, et valere sicut prospere agit anima tua.

3Gavisus sum valde venientibus fratribus, et testimonium perhibentibus veritati tuæ, sicut tu in veritate ambulas.

4Majorem horum non habeo gratiam, quam ut audiam filios meos in veritate ambulare.

5Carissime, fideliter facis quidquid operaris in fratres, et hoc in peregrinos,

6qui testimonium reddiderunt caritati tuæ in conspectu ecclesiæ: quos, benefaciens, deduces digne Deo.

7Pro nomine enim ejus profecti sunt, nihil accipientes a gentibus.

8Nos ergo debemus suscipere hujusmodi, ut cooperatores simus veritatis.

9Scripsissem forsitan ecclesiæ: sed is qui amat primatum gerere in eis, Diotrephes, non recipit nos:

10propter hoc si venero, commonebo ejus opera, quæ facit, verbis malignis garriens in nos: et quasi non ei ista sufficiant, neque ipse suscipit fratres: et eos qui suscipiunt, prohibet, et de ecclesia ejicit.

11Carissime, noli imitari malum, sed quod bonum est. Qui benefacit, ex Deo est: qui malefacit, non vidit Deum.

12Demetrio testimonium redditur ab omnibus, et ab ipsa veritate, sed et nos testimonium perhibemus: et nosti quoniam testimonium nostrum verum est.

13Multa habui tibi scribere: sed nolui per atramentum et calamum scribere tibi.

14Spero autem protinus te videre, et os ad os loquemur. Pax tibi. Salutant te amici. Saluta amicos nominatim.

1The Elder, to Gaius, most beloved, whom I love in the truth.

2Most beloved, concerning everything, I make it my prayer that you may benefit by advancing and succeeding in whatever may be to the benefit of your soul.

3I was very glad when the brothers arrived, and when they offered testimony to the truth in you, that you are walking in the truth.

4I have no greater grace than this, when I hear that my sons are walking in the truth.

5Most beloved, you should act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, and those who are sojourners;

6they have given testimony to your charity in the sight of the Church. You would do well to lead these ones worthily to God.

7For they set out, on behalf of his name, accepting nothing from the unbelievers.

8Therefore, we must accept such as these, in order that we may cooperate with the truth.

9As it happens, I had written to the church. But Diotrephes, who loves to bear the highest rank among them, would not accept us.

10Because of this, when I come, I will admonish his works which he does, babbling against us with malicious words. And as if this were not sufficient for him, he himself does not receive the brothers. And those who do receive them, he hinders, and he ejects them from the church.

11Most beloved, do not be willing to imitate what is evil; instead imitate what is good. Whoever does good is of God. Whoever does evil has not seen God.

12Testimony is being given for Demetrius by everyone, and by the truth itself. And we also offer testimony. And you know that our testimony is true.

13I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing, through ink and pen, to write to you.

14Yet I hope to see you soon, and then we will speak face to face. Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.