1The apostle, after a kind salutation to Gaius, testifieth his joy in his piety, 5commending his hospitality toward the preachers of the gospel. 9He condemneth Diotrephes, and threateneth him for his ambitious opposition. 11The ill example of such is not to be followed. 12He beareth testimony to the good character of Demetrius. 13He hopeth to see Gaius shortly, and concludeth with salutations.
1THE 1elder unto the wellbeloved 2Gaius, 3whom I love in the truth.
1 Why John calls himself as such, see 2 John verse 1.
2 Who this Gaius was, is nowhere else declared, except he was one of them of whom we read in Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14.
3 See 2 John verse 1.
2Beloved, I wish 4above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even 5as thy soul prospereth.
4 Or, in all things.
5 Namely, forasmuch as it is endued with the knowledge of the saving and sound doctrine, and with manifold christian virtues; that, as you have an healthy soul, so also you may have an healthy body.
3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the 6truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest 7in the truth.
6 That is, uprightness; 1 John 3:18.
7 See 2 John verse 4.
4I have no greater joy than to hear that 8my children walk in truth.
8 That is, disciples, whom I have begotten by the preaching of the Gospel, as Paul speaks of the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 4:15.
5Beloved, thou doest 9faithfully 10whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to 11strangers;
9 That is, as it becomes a faithful dispenser of the goods, which the Lord has afforded you to this end. See Luke 12:42; 1 Cor. 4:2.
10 That is, that you receive them into your house, lodge and provide for them.
11 That is, who, besides that they are brethren and believers, are also constrained to abide in foreign countries for the Gospel’s sake.
6Which have borne witness of 12thy charity 13before the church: whom if thou bring 14forward on their journey 15after a godly sort,a thou shalt do well:
12 That is, your liberality, which you have shown unto them out of love.
13 That is, openly in the assembly of the congregation, where I now remain; which many ancient teachers think to have been the congregation of Ephesus.
14 That is, not only conducting them by guiding them a part of the way, but also providing them with what they shall need on their journey. See Acts 27:3; 28:10.
15 Gr. worthy of God. See Col. 1:10; 1 Thes. 2:12.
a manner*
7Because that 16for his name's sake they went forth, 17taking nothing of the Gentiles.
16 This may be understood in two ways; either that these brethren went out of their own country into foreign lands to preach the Gospel there among the Gentiles; or, that they were constrained to go out of their own country and flee into foreign lands for the service of God and profession of the christian doctrine. But the first is most probable out of the following verse.
17 Namely, for their service, but not taking anything for preaching the Gospel, to bring no hindrance to the Gospel of Christ, as Paul also did, 1 Cor. 9:12.
8We therefore ought 18to receive 19such, that we might be 20fellowhelpers to the truth.
18 Namely, into our houses to lodge them and to provide necessities for their body.
19 Namely, as are described in the foregoing verse.
20 That is, that thereby we may also help to further the spreading abroad of the true doctrine of the Gospel.
9 I 21wrote 22unto the church: but Diotrephes, who 23loveth to have the preeminence among them, 24receiveth us not.
21 Namely, concerning this business, to recommend these brethren to them. Although we do not have this epistle, it cannot be concluded from this that there would anything be wanting of the perfection of the Holy Scripture; seeing it was but an epistle of recommendation, and if there were anything written in this epistle necessary to salvation, the same is sufficiently found in other books of the Holy Scripture, and John testifies himself that his Gospel is sufficient for to believe and to be saved, John 20:31.
22 Namely, of which Gaius was either a teacher, or an eminent member. Which congregation this was, is nowhere shown.
23 That is, who, out of ambition exalting himself above his fellow brethren, accordingly attempts to domineer over them, and to draw all authority alone to himself.
24 That is, esteems neither me, nor my writing and intercession.
10Wherefore, 25if I come, I will 26remember 27his deeds which he doeth, 28pratingb against 29us with 30malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive 31the brethren, and 32forbiddeth them 33that would, and 34casteth them out of the church.
25 Namely, unto you, as I hope shall shortly come to pass, verse 14.
26 That is, set before his eyes, and make known to the congregation that they may know and consider it.
27 Namely, these, which he here describes.
28 That is, bringing forth false and lying reports.
b chattering, babbling
29 That is, me, as also in the previous verse.
30 That is, reproachful.
31 Namely, described above in verse 7.
32 Or, hindereth.
33 That is, who would receive these brethren.
34 Namely, by excommunication.
11Beloved, followc not that which is 35evil, but that which is good. He that doeth 36good is of God: but he 37that doeth evil hathd38not seen God.
c Psalm 37:27; Isa. 1:16; 1 Peter 3:11.
35 That is, in general all manner of evil, as well as in special this evil example of Diotrephes.
36 This may also in general be understood of all manner of good, as well as in special of the good of liberality towards the brethren, which he here commends in Gaius.
37 That is, he who makes it his practice to do evil; for, otherwise the very regenerate also do commit something that which is evil, out of infirmity.
d 1 John 3:6.
38 Namely, with the eyes of true faith, or, have not known Him rightly. See 1 John 3:6.
12Demetrius hath 39good report of 40all men, and 41of the truth itself: yea, and 42we also bear record; and ye know 43that our record is true.
39 Namely, of special godliness, love and fidelity.
40 Namely, believers who know him.
41 That is, this testimony is altogether true, seeing he also shows daily the same in deed and in truth.
42 That is, I, John, as also verses 9, 10.
43 That is, that I am not wont to testify but what is true, John 19:35.
13 Ie had 44many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
e 2 John verse 12.
44 Namely, concerning these things. See 2 John verse 12.
14But I trust I shall 45shortly see thee, and we shall speak 46face to face. 47Peace be to thee. Our 48friends salute thee. Greet 49the friends 50by name.
45 That is, to be speedily with you, or to come unto you.
46 See the annotation at 2 John on verse 12.
47 This was the usual manner of salutation among the Jews or Hebrews. See hereof John 20:19.
48 That is, the believers who are here.
49 That is, the believers who are with you.
50 That is, everyone in particular.