A Greeting from the Elder (2 John 1:1–3)
1 RV The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. BSB BSB: The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
2 RV Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. BSB BSB: Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.
3 RV For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in 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 RV Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. BSB BSB: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Gaius Commended for Hospitality 5 RV Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal; BSB BSB: Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you.
6 RV who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God: 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 RV because that for the sake of the Name 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 RV We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers with 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 RV I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth 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 RV Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth, and casteth 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 RV Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath 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 RV Demetrius hath the witness of all men , and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness 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 RV I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen: BSB BSB: I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.
14 RV but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute 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.