1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
15 []
1 The elder G4245 unto the wellbeloved G27 Gaius, G1050 whom G3739 I G1473 love G25 in G1722 the truth. G225
2 Beloved, G27 I wish G2172 above G4012 all things G3956 that thou G4571 mayest prosper G2137 and G2532 be in health, G5198 even as G2531 thy G4675 soul G5590 prospereth. G2137
3 For G1063 I rejoiced G5463 greatly, G3029 when the brethren G80 came G2064 and G2532 testified G3140 of the truth G225 that is in thee, G4675 even as G2531 thou G4771 walkest G4043 in G1722 the truth. G225
4 I have G2192 no G3756 greater G3186 G5130 joy G5479 than to G2443 hear G191 that my G1699 children G5043 walk G4043 in G1722 truth. G225
5 Beloved, G27 thou doest G4160 faithfully G4103 whatsoever G3739 G1437 thou doest G2038 to G1519 the brethren, G80 and G2532 to G1519 strangers; G3581
6 Which G3739 have borne witness G3140 of thy G4675 charity G26 before G1799 the church: G1577 whom G3739 if thou bring forward on their journey G4311 after G516 a godly G2316 sort, G516 thou shalt do G4160 well: G2573
7 Because that G1063 for G5228 his G846 name's G3686 sake G5228 they went forth, G1831 taking G2983 nothing G3367 of G575 the Gentiles. G1484
8 We G2249 therefore G3767 ought G3784 to receive G618 such, G5108 that G2443 we might be G1096 fellowhelpers G4904 to the truth. G225
9 I wrote G1125 unto the church: G1577 but G235 Diotrephes, G1361 who G3588 loveth to have the preeminence G5383 among them, G846 receiveth G1926 us G2248 not. G3756
10 Wherefore, G1223 G5124 if G1437 I come, G2064 I will remember G5279 his G846 deeds G2041 which G3739 he doeth, G4160 prating against G5396 us G2248 with G3056 malicious words: G4190 and G2532 not G3361 content G714 therewith, G1909 G5125 neither G3777 doth G1926 he himself G846 receive G1926 the brethren, G80 and G2532 forbiddeth G2967 them that would, G1014 and G2532 casteth G1544 them out of G1537 the church. G1577
11 Beloved, G27 follow G3401 not G3361 that which is evil, G2556 but G235 that which is good. G18 He that doeth good G15 is G2076 of G1537 God: G2316 but G1161 he that doeth evil G2554 hath G3708 not G3756 seen G3708 God. G2316
12 Demetrius G1216 hath good report G3140 of G5259 all G3956 men, and G2532 of G5259 the truth G225 itself: G846 yea, G1161 and G2532 we G2249 also bear record; G3140 and G2532 ye know G1492 that G3754 our G2257 record G3141 is G2076 true. G227
13 I had G2192 many things G4183 to write, G1125 but G235 I will G2309 not G3756 with G1223 ink G3188 and G2532 pen G2563 write G1125 unto thee: G4671
14 But G1161 I trust G1679 I shall G1492 shortly G2112 see G1492 thee, G4571 and G2532 we shall speak G2980 face G4750 to G4314 face. G4750 Peace G1515 be to thee. G4671 Our friends G5384 salute G782 thee. G4571 Greet G782 the friends G5384 by G2596 name. G3686
1 The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.
4 Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;
6 who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:
7 because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
9 I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth `them' out of the church.
11 Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12 Demetrius hath the witness of all `men', and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness: and thou knowest that our witness is true.
13 I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write `them' to thee with ink and pen:
14 but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace `be' unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
15 []
1 The Elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth!
2 beloved, concerning all things I desire thee to prosper, and to be in health, even as thy soul doth prosper,
3 for I rejoiced exceedingly, brethren coming and testifying of the truth in thee, even as thou in truth dost walk;
4 greater than these things I have no joy, that I may hear of my children in truth walking.
5 Beloved, faithfully dost thou do whatever thou mayest work to the brethren and to the strangers,
6 who did testify of thy love before an assembly, whom thou wilt do well, having sent forward worthily of God,
7 because for `His' name they went forth, nothing receiving from the nations;
8 we, then, ought to receive such, that fellow-workers we may become to the truth.
9 I did write to the assembly, but he who is loving the first place among them -- Diotrephes -- doth not receive us;
10 because of this, if I may come, I will cause him to remember his works that he doth, with evil words prating against us; and not content with these, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and those intending he doth forbid, and out of the assembly he doth cast.
11 Beloved, be not thou following that which is evil, but that which is good; he who is doing good, of God he is, and he who is doing evil hath not seen God;
12 to Demetrius testimony hath been given by all, and by the truth itself, and we also -- we do testify, and ye have known that our testimony is true.
13 Many things I had to write, but I do not wish through ink and pen to write to thee,
14 and I hope straightway to see thee, and mouth to mouth we shall speak. Peace to thee! salute thee do the friends; be saluting the friends by name.
15 []
1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I desire that in all things thou shouldest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers.
3 For I rejoiced exceedingly when [the] brethren came and bore testimony to thy [holding fast the] truth, even as *thou* walkest in truth.
4 I have no greater joy than these things that I hear of my children walking in the truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully [in] whatever thou mayest have wrought towards the brethren and that strangers,
6 (who have witnessed of thy love before [the] assembly,) in setting forward whom on their journey worthily of God, thou wilt do well;
7 for for the name have they gone forth, taking nothing of those of the nations.
8 *We* therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow-workers with the truth.
9 I wrote something to the assembly; but Diotrephes, who loves to have the first place among them, receives us not.
10 For this reason, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he does, babbling against us with wicked words; and not content with these, neither does he himself receive the brethren; and those who would he prevents, and casts [them] out of the assembly.
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He that does good is of God. He that does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has witness borne to him by all, and by the truth itself; and *we* also bear witness, and thou knowest that our witness is true.
13 I had many things to write to thee, but I will not with ink and pen write to thee;
14 but I hope soon to see thee, and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace [be] to thee. The friends greet thee. Greet the friends by name.
1 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.
5 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
6 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God,
7 because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn't accept what we say.
10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
11 Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen God.
12 Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
14 but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
1 I, a ruler in the church, send word to the well loved Gaius, for whom I have true love.
2 My loved one, it is my prayer that you may do well in all things, and be healthy in body, even as your soul does well.
3 For it gave me great joy when some of the brothers came and gave witness that you had the true faith and were walking in the true way.
4 I have no greater joy than to have news that my children are walking in the true way.
5 My loved one, you are doing a good work in being kind to those brothers who come from other places;
6 Who have given witness to the church of your love for them: and you will do well to send them on their way well cared for, as is right for servants of God:
7 For they went out for love of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8 So it is right for us to take in such men as guests, so that we may take our part in the work of the true faith.
9 I sent a letter to the church, but Diotrephes, whose desire is ever to have the first place among them, will not have us there.
10 So if I come, I will keep in mind the things he does, talking against us with evil words: and as if this was not enough, he does not take the brothers into his house, and those who are ready to take them in, he keeps from doing so, putting them out of the church if they do.
11 My loved one, do not be copying what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God: he who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has the approval of all men and of what is true: and we give the same witness, and you are certain that our witness is true.
13 I had much to say to you, but it is not my purpose to put it all down with ink and pen:
14 But I am hoping to see you in a short time, and to have talk with you face to face.
15 May you have peace. Your friends here send you their love. Give my love to our friends by name.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on 3 John 1
Commentary on 3 John 1 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
3Jo 1-14. Address: Wish for Gaius' Prosperity: Joy at His Walking in the Truth. Hospitality to the Brethren and Strangers the Fruit of Love. Diotrephes' Opposition and Ambition. Praise of Demetrius. Conclusion.
1. I—emphatical. I personally, for my part. On Gaius or Caius, see my Introduction before Second Epistle.
love in the truth—(2Jo 1). "Beloved" is repeated often in this Epistle, indicating strong affection (3Jo 1, 2, 5, 11).
2. above all things—Greek, "concerning all things": so Alford: in all respects. But Wahl justifies English Version (compare 1Pe 4:8). Of course, since his soul's prosperity is presupposed, "above all things" does not imply that John wishes Gaius' bodily health above that of his soul, but as the first object to be desired next after spiritual health. I know you are prospering in the concerns of your soul. I wish you similar prosperity in your body. Perhaps John had heard from the brethren (3Jo 3) that Gaius was in bad health, and was tried in other ways (3Jo 10), to which the wish, 3Jo 2, refers.
prosper—in general.
be in health—in particular.
3. testified of the truth that is in thee—Greek, "of" (or 'to') thy truth": thy share of that truth in which thou walkest [Alford].
even as thou—in contrast to Diotrephes (3Jo 9).
4. my children—members of the Church: confirming the view that the "elect lady" is a Church.
5. faithfully—an act becoming a faithful man.
whatsoever thou doest—a distinct Greek word from the former "doest": translate, "workest": whatsoever work, or labor of love, thou dost perform. So Mt 26:10, "She hath wrought a good work upon me."
and to strangers—The oldest manuscripts, "and that (that is, and those brethren) strangers." The fact of the brethren whom thou didst entertain being "strangers," enhances the love manifested in the act.
6. borne witness of thy charity before the church—to stimulate others by the good example. The brethren so entertained by Gaius were missionary evangelists (3Jo 7); and, probably, in the course of narrating their missionary labors for the edification of the Church where John then was, incidentally mentioned the loving hospitality shown them by Gaius.
bring forward on their journey—"If thou (continue to) forward on their journey" by giving them provisions for the way.
after a godly sort—Greek, "in a manner worthy of God," whose ambassadors they are, and whose servant thou art. He who honors God's missionary servants (3Jo 7), honors God.
7. his name's sake—Christ's.
went forth—as missionaries.
taking nothing—refusing to receive aught by way of pay, or maintenance, though justly entitled to it, as Paul at Corinth and at Thessalonica.
Gentiles—the Christians just gathered out by their labors from among the heathen. As Gaius himself was a Gentile convert, "the Gentiles" here must mean the converts just made from the heathen, the Gentiles to whom they had gone forth. It would have been inexpedient to have taken aught (the Greek "meden" implies, not that they got nothing, though they had desired it, but that it was of their own choice they took nothing) from the infant churches among the heathen: the case was different in receiving hospitality from Gaius.
8. We—in contradistinction to "the Gentiles" or "heathen" referred to, 3Jo 7.
therefore—as they take nothing from the Gentiles or heathen.
receive—The oldest manuscripts read, "take up." As they "take" nothing from the Gentiles, we ought to take them up so as to support them.
fellow helpers—with them.
to the truth—that is, to promote the truth.
9. I wrote—The oldest manuscripts add "something": a communication, probably, on the subject of receiving the brethren with brotherly love (3Jo 8, 10). That Epistle was not designed by the Spirit for the universal Church, or else it would have been preserved.
unto the church—of which Gaius is a member.
loveth … pre-eminence—through ambition. Evidently occupying a high place in the Church where Gaius was (3Jo 10).
among them—over the members of the Church.
receiveth us not—virtually, namely, by not receiving with love the brethren whom we recommended to be received (3Jo 8, 10; compare Mt 10:40).
10. if I come—(3Jo 14).
I will remember—literally, "I will bring to mind" before all by stigmatizing and punishing.
prating—with mere silly tattle.
neither doth he … receive the brethren—with hospitality. "The brethren" are the missionaries on their journey.
forbiddeth them that would—receive them.
casteth them—those that would receive the brethren, by excommunication from the Church, which his influence, as a leading man (3Jo 9) in it, enabled him to do. Neander thinks that the missionaries were Jews by birth, whence it is said in their praise they took nothing from THE Gentiles: in contrast to other Jewish missionaries who abused ministers' right of maintenance elsewhere, as Paul tells us, 2Co 11:22; Php 3:2, 5, 19. Now in the Gentile churches there existed an ultra-Pauline party of anti-Jewish tendency, the forerunners of Marcion: Diotrephes possibly stood at the head of this party, which fact, as well as this domineering spirit, may account for his hostility to the missionaries, and to the apostle John, who had, by the power of love, tried to harmonize the various elements in the Asiatic churches. At a later period, Marcion, we know, attached himself to Paul alone, and paid no deference to the authority of John.
11. follow not that which is evil—as manifested in Diotrephes (3Jo 9, 10).
but … good—as manifested in Demetrius (3Jo 12).
is of God—is born of God, who is good.
hath not seen God—spiritually, not literally.
12. of all men—who have had opportunity of knowing his character.
of the truth itself—The Gospel standard of truth bears witness to him that he walks conformably to it, in acts of real love, hospitality to the brethren (in contrast to Diotrephes), &c. Compare Joh 3:21 "He that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God."
we also—besides the testimony of "all men," and "of the truth itself."
ye know—The oldest manuscripts read, "thou knowest."
13. I will not—rather as Greek, "I wish not … to write" more.
14. face to face—Greek, "mouth to mouth."
Peace—peace inward of conscience, peace fraternal of friendship, peace supernal of glory [Lyra].
friends—a title seldom used in the New Testament, as it is absorbed in the higher titles of "brother, brethren." Still Christ recognizes the relation of friend also, based on the highest grounds, obedience to Him from love, and entailing the highest privileges, admission to the intimacy of the holy and glorious God, and sympathizing Saviour; so Christians have "friends" in Christ. Here in a friendly letter, mention of "friends" appropriately occurs.
by name—not less than if their names were written [Bengel].