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

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:

Do them when I come I will recall to mind the deeds which he is doing, prating against me with wicked words. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive the brothers, forbids those that would receive them, and excommunicates them from 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);