For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

I have no greater joy than that which I have when I hear my children are walking in truth.

Beloved, you are acting faithfully in what you are providing for the brothers, and especially when they are strangers;

which bare witness of thy love before all the congregation. Which brethren, when thou bringest forwards on their journey - as it beseemeth God - thou shalt do well:

For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, unjustly accusing us with wicked words and unjustified charges. And not satisfied with this, he refuses to receive the [missionary] brothers himself, and also forbids those who want to [welcome them] and puts them out of the church.

I had many things [to say when I began] to write to you, but I prefer not to put it down with pen (reed) and black (ink);