For they have gone forth ¹  on behalf of “The Name,” ²  accepting nothing from the pagans. ³ 

From ¹  the elder, ²  to Gaius ³  my dear brother, whom I love in truth. ⁴ 

Demetrius ¹  has been testified to by all, even by the truth itself. We also testify to him, ²  and you know that our testimony is true.

Dear friend, do not imitate what is bad but what is good. ¹  The one who does good is of God; the one who does what is bad has not seen God. ² 

Therefore, if I come, ¹  I will call attention to the deeds he is doing ²  – the bringing of unjustified charges against us with evil words! And not being content with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but hinders the people who want to do so and throws them out of the church!

Dear friend, ¹  you demonstrate faithfulness ²  by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers).

For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, just as you are living according to the truth. ¹