3 John
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3 John 1
3 John 1
1The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
1The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Commentary · verses 1-2
Doctrines on this passage
3For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.
4Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal; 6who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God: 7because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6Which 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:
7Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
Commentary · verses 5-7
John mentioned fellowship and that this group went on a journey to evangelize for Christ's Name's sake.
8We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
Commentary · verse 8
John said we ought to welcome such people so we can be in community with the truth.
9I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
Commentary · verse 9
John had written to Diotrephes who did not receive John and his group. Diotrephes loved "preeminence" which meant "to desire to be first." It seemed that there were contentions in the churches John dealt with decades after the Book of Acts.
10Therefore, 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.
10Wherefore, 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.
Commentary · verse 10
This was the only threat that was recorded connected to John. John said that if he went, he would confront Diotrephes face-to-face. Diotrephes had been casting out believers from the church.
11Beloved, 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.
11Beloved, 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.
Commentary · verse 11
Verse 11 was very similar to what was written in 1 John. John was more specific stating that we ought to imitate good, not imitate evil.
12Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true.
13I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen: 14but 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.
12Demetrius 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.
13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14But 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.
Commentary · verses 12-14
John supported Demetrius. There were many things John did not write because he trusted that he would see them face-to-face.
John wrote to Gaius. It was not known if this was the same Gaius as in Acts 19:29, Acts 20:4, Romans 16:23, and 1 Corinthians 1:14. John mentioned three areas that we all need to work on: soul, health, and finances. Notice, John made the soul the cause ("even as") and the physical health and physical resources were effects. Some people interpreted the Greek root word for Salvation as covering all three of these areas: soul, health, and prosperity.