I wrote something to the church, ¹  but Diotrephes, ²  who loves to be first among them, does not acknowledge us. ³ 

They ¹  have testified to your love before the church. ²  You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. ³ 

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!

Therefore we ¹  ought to support such people, so that we become coworkers in cooperation with the truth. ² 

But I hope to see you right away, and we will speak face to face. ¹  (1:15) Peace be with you. ²  The friends here ³  greet you. Greet the friends ⁴  there ⁵  by name.

I have many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you with ¹  pen and ink. ²