He commendeth Gaius, for continuing in the truth, & for susteining or
succouring true Preachers, 9 noting Diotrepes for the contrarie, and praising
Demetrius.
1. THE Seniour to Gaius the Dearest, whom I loue 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 gaue testimonie to thy truth,
euen as thou walkest in truth.
4. Greater
✟
' pleasure.
χαρὰν,
χαριν.
thanke haue I not of them, that then I may heare my children doe walke
in truth.
5. My Dearest, thou doest faithfully whatsoeuer thou workest on the Brethren,
✟
A great grace to be beneficial to strangers, specially to them that be of our Catholike
faith and suffer for the same.
&
that vpon strangers.
6. They haue rendred 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 receiue such: that we may be coadiutours of the truth.
9. I had written perhaps to the Church: but he that loueth to beare
✟
It seemeth (saith S. Bede) he was an Arch-heretike or proud Sect-maister.
primacie among
them Diotrepes, doth not receiue vs.
10. For this cause, if I come,
✟
' commonebo.
ὑπομνὴςω.
I
✟
That is, I wil rebuke them and make them knowen to be wicked. Bede.
wil aduertise his workes which he doeth: with malicious
words chatting against vs. And as though these things suffice him not, neither himself doth
receiue the Brethren, and them that doe receiue, he prohibiteth, and casteth out of the Church.
11. My Dearest, doe not imitate euil, 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 giuen of al, and of the truth it-self, yea and we giue
testimonie: and thou knowest that our testimonie is true.
13. I had many things to write vnto 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 freinds salute thee. Salute the freinds by name.