Worthy.Bible » Parallel » 3 John » Chapter 1

3 John 1:1-15 King James Version (KJV)

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.

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3 John 1:1-15 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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

3 John 1:1-15 American Standard (ASV)

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.

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3 John 1:1-15 Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

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.

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3 John 1:1-15 Darby English Bible (DARBY)

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.

3 John 1:1-15 World English Bible (WEB)

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.

3 John 1:1-15 Bible in Basic English (BBE)

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 » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 3 John 1

Commentary on 3 John 1 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill   Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible  

An Exposition, With Practical Observations, of

The Third Epistle of John

Chapter 1

In this epistle the apostle congratulates Gaius upon the prosperity of his soul (v. 1, 2), upon the fame he had among good Christians (v. 3, 4), and upon his charity and hospitality to the servants of Christ (v. 5, 6). He complains of contemptuous treatment by an ambitious Diotrephes (v. 9, 10), recommends Demetrius (v. 12), and expresses his hope of visiting Gaius shortly (v. 13, 14).

3Jo 1:1-2

Here we see,

  • I. The sacred penman who writes and sends the letter; not here indeed notified by his name, but a more general character: The elder, he that is so by years and by office; honour and deference are due to both. Some have questioned whether this were John the apostle or no; but his style and spirit seem to shine in the epistle. Those that are beloved of Christ will love the brethren for his sake. Gaius could not question from whom the letter came. The apostle might have assumed many more illustrious characters, but it becomes not Christ's ministers to affect swelling pompous titles. He almost levels himself with the more ordinary pastors of the church, while he styles himself the elder. Or, possibly, most of the extraordinary ministers, the apostles, were now dead, and this holy survivor would countenance the continued standing ministry, by assuming the more common title-the elder. The elders I exhort, who am also an elder, 1 Pt. 5:1.
  • II. The person saluted and honoured by the letter. The former is directed to an elect lady, this to a choice gentleman; such are worthy of esteem and value. He is notified,
    • 1. By his name,-Gaius. We read of several of that name, particularly of one whom the apostle Paul baptized at Corinth, who possibly might be also the apostle's host and kind entertainer there (Rom. 16:23); if this be not he, it is his brother in name, estate, and disposition. Then,
    • 2. By the kind expressions of the apostle to him: The well-beloved, and whom I love in the truth. Love expressed is wont to kindle love. Here seems to be either the sincerity of the apostle's love or the religion of it. The sincerity of it: Whom I love in the truth, for the truth's sake, as abiding and walking in the truth as it is in Jesus. To love our friends for the truth's sake is true love, religious gospel love.
  • III. The salutation or greeting, containing a prayer, introduced by an affectionate compellation-Beloved, thou beloved one in Christ. The minister who would gain love must show it himself. Here is,
    • 1. The apostle's good opinion of his friend, that his soul prospered. There is such a thing as soul-prosperity-the greatest blessing on this side heaven. This supposes regeneration, and an inward fund of spiritual life; this stock is increasing, and, while spiritual treasures are advancing, the soul is in a fair way to the kingdom of glory.
    • 2. His good wish for his friend that his body may prosper and be in health as well as his soul. Grace and health are two rich companions; grace will improve health, health will employ grace. It frequently falls out that a rich soul is lodged in a crazy body; grace must be exercised in submission to such a dispensation; but we may well wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls may have healthful bodies too; their grace will shine in a larger sphere of activity.

3Jo 1:3-8

In these verses we have,

  • I. The good report that the apostle had received concerning this friend of his: The brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee (v. 3), who have borne witness of thy charity before the church, v. 6. Here we may see,
    • 1. The testimony or thing testified concerning Gaius-the truth that was in him, the reality of his faith, the sincerity of his religion, and his devotedness to God; and this evinced by his charity, which includes his love to the brethren, kindness to the poor, hospitality to Christian strangers, and readiness to accommodate them for the service of the gospel. Faith should work by love; it gives a lustre in and by the offices of love, and induces others to commend its integrity.
    • 2. The witnesses-brethren that came from Gaius testified and bore witness. A good report is due from those who have received good; though a good name is but a small reward for costly service, yet it is better than precious ointment, and will not be refused by the ingenuous and religious.
    • 3. The auditory or judicatory before which the report and testimony were given-before the church. This seems to be the church at which the apostle now resided. What church this was we are not sure; what occasion they had thus to testify his faith and love before the church we cannot tell; possibly out of the fulness of the heart the mouth spoke; they could not but testify what they found and felt; possibly they would engage the church's prayer for the continued life and usefulness of such a patron, that he might prosper and be in health as his soul prospered.
  • II. The report the apostle himself gives of him, introduced by an endearing appellation again: Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers, v. 5.
    • 1. He was hospitable, good to the brethren, even to strangers; it was enough to recommend them to Gaius's house that they belonged to Christ. Or he was good to the brethren of the same church with himself, and to those who came from far; all who were of the household of faith were welcome to him.
    • 2. He seems to have been of a catholic spirit; he could overlook the petty differences among serious Christians, and be communicative to all who bore the image and did the work of Christ. And,
    • 3. He was conscientious in what he did: "Thou doest faithfully (thou makest faithful work of) whatsoever thou doest; thou doest it as a faithful servant, and from the Lord Christ mayest thou expect the reward of the inheritance.' Such faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in us is designed, not for our pride, but for our encouragement to continue therein, and should be accordingly improved.
  • III. The apostle's joy therein, in the good report itself, and the good ground of it: I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified, etc., v. 3. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth, in the prescripts of the Christian religion. The best evidence of our having the truth is our walking in the truth. Good men will greatly rejoice in the soul-prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. They glorified God in me. Love envieth not, but rejoiceth in the good name of other folks. As it is joy to good parents, it will be joy to good ministers, to see their children evidence their sincerity in religion, and adorn their profession.
  • IV. The direction the apostle gives his friend concerning further treatment of the brethren that were with him: Whom if thou bring forward on their journey, after a godly sort, thou shalt do well. It seems to have been customary in those days of love to attend travelling ministers and Christians, at least some part of their road, 1 Co. 16:6. It is a kindness to a stranger to be guided in his way, and a pleasure to travellers to meet with suitable company: this is a work that may be done after a godly sort, in a manner worthy of God, or suitable to the deference and relation we bear to God. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do, what they may most honourably and laudably do: the liberal mind deviseth liberal generous things. Christians should do even the common actions of life and of good-will after a godly sort, as serving God therein, and designing his glory.
  • V. The reasons of this directed conduct; these are two:-
    • 1. Because that for his name's sake these brethren went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. It appears thus that these were ministerial brethren, that they went forth to preach the gospel and propagate Christianity; possibly they might be sent out by this apostle himself: they went forth to convert the Gentiles; this was excellent service: they went forth for God and his name's sake; this is the minister's highest end, and should be his principal spring and motive, to gather and to build up a people for his name: they went forth also to carry a free gospel about with them, to publish it without charge wherever they came: Taking nothing of the Gentiles. These were worthy of double honour. There are those who are not called to preach the gospel themselves who may yet contribute to the progress of it. The gospel should be made without charge to those to whom it is first preached. Those who know it not cannot be expected to value it; churches and Christian patriots ought to concur to support the propagation of holy religion in the pagan countries; public spirits should concur according to their several capacities; those who are freely communicative of Christ's gospel should be assisted by those who are communicative of their purses.
    • 2. We ought therefore to receive such, that we may be fellow-helpers to the truth, to true religion. The institution of Christ is the true religion; it has been attested by God. Those that are true in it and true to it will earnestly desire, and pray for, and contribute to, its propagation in the world. In many ways may the truth be befriended and assisted; those who cannot themselves proclaim it may yet receive, accompany, help, and countenance those who do.

3Jo 1:9-11

  • I. Here is a very different example and character, an officer, a minister in the church, less generous, catholic, and communicative than the private Christians. Ministers may sometimes be out-shone, out-done. In reference to this minister, we see,
    • 1. His name-a Gentile name: Diotrephes, attended with an unchristian spirit.
    • 2. His temper and spirit-full of pride and ambition: He loves to have the pre-eminence. This ferment sprang and wrought betimes. It is an ill unbeseeming character of Christ's ministers to love pre-eminence, to affect presidency in the church of God.
    • 3. His contempt of the apostle's authority, and letter, and friends.
      • (1.) Of his authority: The deeds which he doeth contrary to our appointment, prating against us with malicious words. Strange that the contempt should run so high! But ambition will breed malice against those who oppose it. Malice and ill-will in the heart will be apt to vent themselves by the lips. The heart and mouth are both to be watched.
      • (2.) Of his letter: "I wrote to the church (v. 9), namely, in recommendation of such and such brethren. But Diotrephes receiveth us not, admits not our letter and testimony therein.' This seems to be the church of which Gaius was a member. A gospel church seems to be such a society as to which a letter may be written and communicated. Gospel churches may well expect and be allowed credentials with the strangers who desire to be admitted among them. The apostle seems to write by and with these brethren. To an ambitious aspiring spirit apostolical authority or epistle signifies but little.
      • (3.) Of his friends, the brethren he recommended: Neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth those that would, and casteth them out of the church, v. 10. There might be some differences or different customs between the Jewish and Gentile Christians. Pastors should seriously consider what differences are tolerable. The pastor is not at absolute liberty, nor lord over God's heritage. It is bad to do no good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would. Church-power and church-censures are often abused. Many are cast out of the church who should be received there with satisfaction and welcome. But woe to those who cast out the brethren whom the Lord Christ will take into his own communion and kingdom!
    • 4. The apostle's menace of this proud domineerer: Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth (v. 10), will remember to censure them. This seems to intimate apostolical authority. But the apostle seems not to hold an episcopal court, to which Diotrephes must be summoned; but he will come to take cognizance of this affair in the church to which it belongs. Acts of ecclesiastical domination and tyranny ought to be animadverted upon. May it be better agreed to whom that power belongs!
  • II. Here is counsel upon that different character, dissuasion from copying such a pattern, and indeed any evil at all: Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good, v. 11. Imitate not such unchristian pernicious evil; but pursue the contrary good, in wisdom, purity, peace, and love. Caution and counsel are not needless to those who are good already. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted that are seasoned with love. Beloved, follow not that which is evil. To this caution and counsel a reason is respectively subjoined.
    • 1. To the counsel: Follow that which is good; for he that doeth good (naturally and genuinely doeth good, as delighting therein) is of God, is born of God. The practice of goodness is the evidence of our filial happy relation to God.
    • 2. To the caution: Follow not that which is evil, for he that doeth evil (with bent of mind pursues it) hath not seen God, is not duly sensible of his holy nature and will. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast an acquaintance with God.

3Jo 1:12-14

Here we have,

  • I. The character of another person, one Demetrius, not much known otherwise. But here his name will live. A name in the gospel, a fame in the churches, is better than that of sons and daughters. His character was his commendation. His commendation was,
    • 1. General: Demetrius has a good report of all men. Few are well spoken of by all; and sometimes it is ill to be so. But universal integrity and goodness are the way to (and sometimes obtain) universal applause.
    • 2. Deserved and well founded: And of the truth itself, v. 12. Some have a good report, but not of the truth itself. Happy are those whose spirit and conduct commend them before God and men.
    • 3. Confirmed by the apostle's and his friends' testimony: Yea, and we also bear record; and that with an appeal to Gaius's own knowledge: And you (you and your friends) know that our record is true. Probably this Demetrius was known to the church where the apostle now resided, and to that where Gaius was. It is good to be well known, or known for good. We must be ready to bear our testimony to those who are good: it is well for those who are commended when those who commend them can appeal to the consciences of those who know them most.
  • II. The conclusion of the epistle, in which we may observe,
    • 1. The referring of some things to personal interview: I have many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen, but I trust I shall shortly see thee, v. 13, 14. Many things may be more proper for immediate communication than for letter. A little personal conference may spare the time, trouble, and charge, of many letters; and good Christians may well be glad to see one another.
    • 2. The benediction: Peace be to you; all felicity attend you. Those that are good and happy themselves wish others so too.
    • 3. The public salutation sent to Gaius: Our friends salute thee. A friend to the propagation of religion deserves a common remembrance. And these pious persons show their friendship to religion as well as to Gaius.
    • 4. The apostle's particular salutation of the Christians in Gaius's church or vicinity: Greet thy friends by name. I doubt they were not very many who must be so personally saluted. But we must learn humility as well as love. The lowest in the church of Christ should be greeted. And those may well salute and greet one another on earth who hope to live together in heaven. And the apostle who had lain in Christ's bosom lays Christ's friends in his heart.