1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (Stop and think about that a moment. It is important for your flesh body to be on the right road, and it is important for you soul to be on the right road as well. Someone who has done both has got it together.)
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. (Notice how many time John acknowledges truth. What is truth? God's Word is truth.)
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; (Don't show partiality. God's Word is for everyone.)
6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: (John is edifying and encouraging the brethren. Being on the right road means helping others on their way.)
7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. (They were taking God's Word forth without being a burden to anyone.)
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. (They were helping people by freely teaching truth. How were they received by the church?)
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (Preeminence means holding a superior position or rank, Gaius, a citizen, is helping people understand the truth, but the preacher Diotrephes and the church aren't.)
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. (This preacher has every right to sail his own ship. We aren't going to judge him, but when you attend a church ask yourself, "Was I taught God's Word?". If something else is being taught, I suggest you move on.)
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (There are 2 ways you can take. You can go the right way and receive God's blessing and prosper, or you can take the wrong way, the evil way and do without.)
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. (Again, notice how many time the word "truth" appears in this little Book. If you stick with truth from God's Word, and you allow that truth to be your guide through life, you will always take the right way and prosper.)
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.