THE
THIRD EPISTLE
OF S. JOHN THE APOSTLE
He commendeth Gaius for continuing in the truth, & for susteining or succouring true Preachers, 9. noting Diotrepes for the contrarie, and praising Demetrius.
THE Seniour to Gaius the Dearest, whom I love in truth.
2 My Deerest, concerning al things I make my praier that thou proceed prosperously, and fare wel, as thy soule doth prosperously. 3 I was exceeding glad when the Brethren came, and gave testimonie to thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth. 4 Greater 'chake' have I not of the, that that then I may heare my childre doe walke in truth. 5 My Dearest, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou workest on the Brethren, [1] & that upon strangers. 6 They have rendered testimonie to thy charitie in the sight of the Church: whom, thou shalt doe wel, bringing on their way in manner worthie of God. 7 For, for his name did they depart, taking nothing of the Gentils. 8 We therfore ought to receive such: that we may be coadjutours of the truth.
9 I had written perhaps to the Church: but he that loveth to beare[2] primacie among them Diotrepes, doth not receive us. 10 For this cause, if I come,[3] I will advertise his workes which he doeth, with malicious words chatting against us. And as though these things suffice him not, he prohibiteth, and casteth out of the Church. 11 My Dearest, doe not imitate evil, but that which is good. He that doeth wel, is of God: he that doeth il hath not seen God. 12 To Demetrius testimonie is given of al, and of the truth it-self, yea and we give testimonie: and thou knowest that our testimonie is true.
13 I had many things to write unto thee, but I would not by inke and penne write to thee. 14 But I hope forth-with to see thee, and we wil speake mouth to mouth. Peace be to thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
- ↑ A great grace to be beneficial to strangers, specially to them that be of our Catholike faith and suffer for the same.
- ↑ It seemeth (saith S. Bede) he was an Arch-heretike or proud Sect-maister.
- ↑ That is, I wil rebuke them and make them knowen to be wicked. Bede.
