A Greeting from the Elder (2 John 1:1–3)
1 AKJV The elder to the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. BSB BSB: The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
2 AKJV Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. BSB BSB: Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.
3 AKJV For I rejoiced greatly, when the brothers came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth. BSB BSB: For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.
4 AKJV I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. BSB BSB: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Gaius Commended for Hospitality 5 AKJV Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do to the brothers, and to strangers; BSB BSB: Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you.
6 AKJV Which have borne witness of your charity before the church: whom if you bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, you shall do well: BSB BSB: 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 AKJV Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. BSB BSB: For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
8 AKJV We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth. BSB BSB: Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Diotrephes and Demetrius 9 AKJV I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not. BSB BSB: I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
10 AKJV Why, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and forbids them that would, and casts them out of the church. BSB BSB: 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 AKJV Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God. BSB BSB: 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 AKJV Demetrius has good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yes, and we also bear record; and you know that our record is true. BSB BSB: 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 AKJV I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to you: BSB BSB: I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.
14 AKJV But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends salute you. Greet the friends by name. BSB BSB: Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.