Worthy.Bible » STRONG » 3 John » Chapter 1 » Verse 2

3 John 1:2 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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

Cross Reference

2 Peter 1:3-9 STRONG

According as G5613 his G846 divine G2304 power G1411 hath given G1433 unto us G2254 all things G3956 that pertain unto G4314 life G2222 and G2532 godliness, G2150 through G1223 the knowledge G1922 of him that hath called G2564 us G2248 to G1223 glory G1391 and G2532 virtue: G703 Whereby G1223 G3739 are given G1433 unto us G2254 exceeding great G3176 and G2532 precious G5093 promises: G1862 that G2443 by G1223 these G5130 ye might be G1096 partakers G2844 of the divine G2304 nature, G5449 having escaped G668 the corruption G5356 that is in G1722 the world G2889 through G1722 lust. G1939 And G2532 G1161 beside G846 this, G5124 giving G3923 all G3956 diligence, G4710 add G2023 to G1722 your G5216 faith G4102 virtue; G703 and G1161 to G1722 virtue G703 knowledge; G1108 And G1161 to G1722 knowledge G1108 temperance; G1466 and G1161 to G1722 temperance G1466 patience; G5281 and G1161 to G1722 patience G5281 godliness; G2150 And G1161 to G1722 godliness G2150 brotherly kindness; G5360 and G1161 to G1722 brotherly kindness G5360 charity. G26 For G1063 if these things G5023 be G5225 in you, G5213 and G2532 abound, G4121 they make G2525 you that ye shall neither G3756 be barren G692 nor G3761 unfruitful G175 in G1519 the knowledge G1922 of our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ. G5547 But G1063 he that G3739 lacketh G3361 G3918 these things G5023 is G2076 blind, G5185 and cannot see afar off, G3467 and hath forgotten G3024 G2983 that he was purged from G2512 his G846 old G3819 sins. G266

2 Peter 3:18 STRONG

But G1161 grow G837 in G1722 grace, G5485 and G2532 in the knowledge G1108 of our G2257 Lord G2962 and G2532 Saviour G4990 Jesus G2424 Christ. G5547 To him G846 be glory G1391 both G2532 now G3568 and G2532 for G1519 ever. G165 G2250 Amen. G281

James 5:12 STRONG

But G1161 above G4253 all things, G3956 my G3450 brethren, G80 swear G3660 not, G3361 neither G3383 by heaven, G3772 neither G3383 by the earth, G1093 neither G3383 by any G5100 other G243 oath: G3727 but G1161 let G2277 your G5216 yea G3483 be G2277 yea; G3483 and G2532 your nay, G3756 nay; G3756 lest G3363 ye fall G4098 into G1519 condemnation. G5272

Psalms 20:1-5 STRONG

[[To the chief Musician, H5329 A Psalm H4210 of David.]] H1732 The LORD H3068 hear H6030 thee in the day H3117 of trouble; H6869 the name H8034 of the God H430 of Jacob H3290 defend H7682 thee; Send H7971 thee help H5828 from the sanctuary, H6944 and strengthen H5582 thee out of Zion; H6726 Remember H2142 all thy offerings, H4503 and accept H1878 thy burnt sacrifice; H5930 Selah. H5542 Grant H5414 thee according to thine own heart, H3824 and fulfil H4390 all thy counsel. H6098 We will rejoice H7442 in thy salvation, H3444 and in the name H8034 of our God H430 we will set up our banners: H1713 the LORD H3068 fulfil H4390 all thy petitions. H4862

Revelation 2:9 STRONG

I know G1492 thy G4675 works, G2041 and G2532 tribulation, G2347 and G2532 poverty, G4432 (but G1161 thou art G1488 rich) G4145 and G2532 I know the blasphemy G988 of them which G3588 say G3004 they G1438 are G1511 Jews, G2453 and G2532 are G1526 not, G3756 but G235 are the synagogue G4864 of Satan. G4567

3 John 1:3-6 STRONG

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 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 Beloved, G27 thou doest G4160 faithfully G4103 whatsoever G3739 G1437 thou doest G2038 to G1519 the brethren, G80 and G2532 to G1519 strangers; G3581 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

1 Peter 4:8 STRONG

And G1161 above G4253 all things G3956 have G2192 fervent G1618 charity G26 among G1519 yourselves: G1438 for G3754 charity G26 shall cover G2572 the multitude G4128 of sins. G266

1 Thessalonians 1:3-10 STRONG

Remembering G3421 without ceasing G89 your G5216 work G2041 of faith, G4102 and G2532 labour G2873 of love, G26 and G2532 patience G5281 of hope G1680 in our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 in the sight G1715 of God G2316 and G2532 our G2257 Father; G3962 Knowing, G1492 brethren G80 beloved, G25 your G5216 election G1589 of G5259 God. G2316 For G3754 our G2257 gospel G2098 came G1096 not G3756 unto G1519 you G5209 in G1722 word G3056 only, G3440 but G235 also G2532 in G1722 power, G1411 and G2532 in G1722 the Holy G40 Ghost, G4151 and G2532 in G1722 much G4183 assurance; G4136 as G2531 ye know G1492 what manner of men G3634 we were G1096 among G1722 you G5213 for G1223 your G5209 sake. And G2532 ye G5210 became G1096 followers G3402 of us, G2257 and G2532 of the Lord, G2962 having received G1209 the word G3056 in G1722 much G4183 affliction, G2347 with G3326 joy G5479 of the Holy G40 Ghost: G4151 So G5620 that ye G5209 were G1096 ensamples G5179 to all G3956 that believe G4100 in G1722 Macedonia G3109 and G2532 Achaia. G882 For G1063 from G575 you G5216 sounded out G1837 the word G3056 of the Lord G2962 not G3756 only G3440 in G1722 Macedonia G3109 and G2532 Achaia, G882 but G235 also G2532 in G1722 every G3956 place G5117 your G5216 faith G4102 to G4314 God-ward G2316 is spread abroad; G1831 so G5620 that we G2248 need G5532 not G3361 G2192 to speak G2980 any thing. G5100 For G1063 they G518 themselves G846 shew G518 of G4012 us G2257 what manner G3697 of entering in G1529 we had G2192 G2192 unto G4314 you, G5209 and G2532 how G4459 ye turned G1994 to G4314 God G2316 from G575 idols G1497 to serve G1398 the living G2198 and G2532 true G228 God; G2316 And G2532 to wait for G362 his G846 Son G5207 from G1537 heaven, G3772 whom G3739 he raised G1453 from G1537 the dead, G3498 even Jesus, G2424 which G3588 delivered G4506 us G2248 from G575 the wrath G3709 to come. G2064

Colossians 1:4-6 STRONG

Since we heard G191 of your G5216 faith G4102 in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 of the love G26 which G3588 ye have to G1519 all G3956 the saints, G40 For G1223 the hope G1680 which G3588 is laid up G606 for you G5213 in G1722 heaven, G3772 whereof G3739 ye heard before G4257 in G1722 the word G3056 of the truth G225 of the gospel; G2098 Which G3588 is come G3918 unto G1519 you, G5209 as G2531 G2532 it is in G1722 all G3956 the world; G2889 and G2532 bringeth forth fruit, G2076 G2592 as G2531 it doth also G2532 in G1722 you, G5213 since G575 the G3739 day G2250 ye heard G191 of it, and G2532 knew G1921 the grace G5485 of God G2316 in G1722 truth: G225

Philemon 1:5-7 STRONG

Hearing G191 of thy G4675 love G26 and G2532 faith, G4102 which G3739 thou hast G2192 toward G4314 the Lord G2962 Jesus, G2424 and G2532 toward G1519 all G3956 saints; G40 That G3704 the communication G2842 of thy G4675 faith G4102 may become G1096 effectual G1756 by G1722 the acknowledging G1922 of every G3956 good thing G18 which G3588 is in G1722 you G5213 in G1519 Christ G5547 Jesus. G2424 For G1063 we have G2192 great G4183 joy G5485 and G2532 consolation G3874 in G1909 thy G4675 love, G26 because G3754 the bowels G4698 of the saints G40 are refreshed G373 by G1223 thee, G4675 brother. G80

2 Thessalonians 2:13 STRONG

But G1161 we G2249 are bound G3784 to give thanks G2168 alway G3842 to God G2316 for G4012 you, G5216 brethren G80 beloved G25 of G5259 the Lord, G2962 because G3754 God G2316 hath G138 from G575 the beginning G746 chosen G138 you G5209 to G1519 salvation G4991 through G1722 sanctification G38 of the Spirit G4151 and G2532 belief G4102 of the truth: G225

2 Thessalonians 1:3 STRONG

We are bound G3784 to thank G2168 God G2316 always G3842 for G4012 you, G5216 brethren, G80 as G2531 it is G2076 meet, G514 because G3754 that your G5216 faith G4102 groweth exceedingly, G5232 and G2532 the charity G26 of every G1538 one G1520 of you G5216 all G3956 toward G1519 each other G240 aboundeth; G4121

1 Thessalonians 3:6-9 STRONG

But G1161 now G737 when Timotheus G5095 came G2064 from G575 you G5216 unto G4314 us, G2248 and G2532 brought G2097 us G2254 good tidings G2097 of your G5216 faith G4102 and G2532 charity, G26 and G2532 that G3754 ye have G2192 good G18 remembrance G3417 of us G2257 always, G3842 desiring greatly G1971 to see G1492 us, G2248 as G2509 we G2249 also G2532 to see you: G5209 Therefore, G1223 G5124 brethren, G80 we were comforted G3870 over G1909 you G5213 in G1909 all G3956 our G2257 affliction G2347 and G2532 distress G318 by G1223 your G5216 faith: G4102 For G3754 now G3568 we live, G2198 if G1437 ye G5210 stand fast G4739 in G1722 the Lord. G2962 For G1063 what G5101 thanks G2169 can we G1410 render G467 to God G2316 again G467 for G4012 you, G5216 for G1909 all G3956 the joy G5479 wherewith G3739 we joy G5463 for G1223 your sakes G5209 before G1715 our G2257 God; G2316

1 Thessalonians 2:13-14 STRONG

For this G5124 cause G1223 also G2532 thank G2168 we G2249 God G2316 without ceasing, G89 because, G3754 when ye received G3880 the word G3056 of God G2316 which ye heard G189 of G3844 us, G2257 ye received G1209 it not G3756 as the word G3056 of men, G444 but G235 as G2531 it is G2076 in truth, G230 the word G3056 of God, G2316 which G3739 effectually worketh G1754 also G2532 in G1722 you G5213 that believe. G4100 For G1063 ye, G5210 brethren, G80 became G1096 followers G3402 of the churches G1577 of God G2316 which G3588 in G1722 Judaea G2449 are G5607 in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus: G2424 for G3754 ye G5210 also G2532 have suffered G3958 like things G5024 of G5259 your own G2398 countrymen, G4853 even G2532 as G2531 they have G846 of G5259 the Jews: G2453

Philippians 2:27 STRONG

For G1063 indeed G2532 he was sick G770 nigh G3897 unto death: G2288 but G235 God G2316 had mercy G1653 on him; G846 and G1161 not G3756 on him G846 only, G3440 but G235 on me G1691 also, G2532 lest G3363 I should have G2192 sorrow G3077 upon G1909 sorrow. G3077

Philippians 2:4 STRONG

Look G4648 not G3361 every man G1538 on his own things, G1438 but G235 every man G1538 also G2532 on the things G3588 of others. G2087

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 STRONG

For G1063 what G5101 is our G2257 hope, G1680 or G2228 joy, G5479 or G2228 crown G4735 of rejoicing? G2746 G2228 Are not G3780 even G2532 ye G5210 in the presence G1715 of our G2257 Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 at G1722 his G846 coming? G3952 For G1063 ye G5210 are G2075 our G2257 glory G1391 and G2532 joy. G5479

Commentary on 3 John 1 John Gill's Exposition of the Bible


Verse 1

The elder unto the well beloved Gaius,.... The elder is the writer of the epistle, the Apostle John, who so styles himself on account of his age, and office, as in the preceding epistle. The person to whom he writes is "the well beloved Gaius"; not that Gaius, who was the Apostle Paul's host, Romans 16:23, for though their characters agree, being both hospitable men, yet neither the place nor time in which they lived. The Apostle Paul's Gaius lived at Corinth, this is in some place near to Ephesus, for the apostle in his old age purposed to come and see him shortly; the other was contemporary with Paul, this with John; there were thirty or forty years difference between them: besides, the Corinthian Gaius was baptized by Paul, and was doubtless one of his spiritual children, or converts, whereas this Gaius was one of the Apostle John's spiritual children, 3 John 1:4; nor does he seem to be the same with Gaius of Macedonia, Acts 19:29, or with Gaius of Derbe, Acts 20:4, who seem to be two different persons by their country, though both companions in travel of the Apostle Paul; for which reason, as well as the time of their living, neither of them can be this Gaius, who was a settled housekeeper, and resided at some certain place. His name is a Roman name, and the same with Caius, though he seems to have been a Jew, as he might, it being usual with the Jews in other countries to take Gentile names. His character is, that he was "well beloved"; that is, of God, as it appears he was from the grace bestowed on him, from the prosperous estate of his soul, and from the truth that was in him, and his walking in it; and of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the same reasons; and also of all the brethren and saints that knew him; he being a person not only truly gracious, and of faithfulness and integrity, but of great liberality and beneficence, which must gain him much love and esteem among them; and he was well beloved by the Apostle John; and so the Syriac version renders it, "to my beloved Gaius": though his love to him is expressed in the following clause,

whom I love in the truth; as being in it, or for the sake of it, or truly and sincerely; See Gill on 2 John 1:1.


Verse 2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper,.... Or succeed in all temporal affairs, in the business of life, in which he was; and as success of this sort depends upon the blessing of God, which maketh rich, it is to be wished and prayed for from him:

and be in health; that is, of body, which above all things above all outward mercies, is the most desirable; for without this, what are the richest dainties, the largest possessions, or the best of friends? without this there can be no comfortable enjoyment of either of them; and therefore of this sort of mercies, it is in the first place, and above all others, to be wished for, and desired by one friend for another. The rule and measure of this wish is according to the prosperity of his soul,

even as thy soul prospereth: the soul is diseased with sin, and may be said to be in good health, when all its iniquities are forgiven; and may be said to prosper, when having a spiritual appetite for the Gospel, the sincere milk of the word, it feeds upon it, is nourished by it, and grows thereby; when it is in the lively exercise of faith, hope, and love; when spiritual knowledge is increased, or it grows in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ Jesus; when the inward man is renewed day by day with fresh strength; and when it enjoys communion with God, has the light of his countenance, and the joys of his salvation; and when it is fruitful in every good work.


Verse 3

For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came,.... From the place where Gaius lived, to that where John now resided; these brethren seem to be preachers of the word, who travelled from place to place to spread the Gospel:

and testified of the truth that is in thee; either of Christ, who was formed in him; or of the Gospel, which had a place in his heart; or of the truth of grace that was in him, as well as of that faithfulness, integrity, and sincerity he appeared to be possessed of, being an Israelite indeed, and without guile:

even as thou walkest in the truth: in Christ, and in the Gospel, and as became it, and with all uprightness; see 2 John 1:4; and this occasioned great joy in the apostle; as it is matter of joy to every one that truly loves Christ, and his Gospel; or has the true grace of charity in him, which envies not the gifts and graces of others, but rejoiceth in the truth, wherever it is found; and especially to the faithful ministers of the word, when they hear of the truth of grace in any souls, and that such continue walking in the truth of the Gospel, and particularly those who have been wrought upon under their ministry, as follows.


Verse 4

I have no greater joy,.... Nothing that causes greater joy. The Vulgate Latin version reads "grace" or "thanks"; and then the sense is, that he had nothing to be more thankful for:

than to hear that my children walk in truth; meaning his spiritual children, those whose conversion he had been the instrument of; and among these it seems Gaius was one.


Verse 5

Beloved, thou doest faithfully,.... Or a faithful thing, and as became a faithful man, a believer in Christ; in all his beneficence and charity he acted the upright part; he did not do it in an hypocritical way, to be seen of men, and gain applause from them, but from a principle of love, and with a view to the glory of God:

whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; which may design either different persons; and by "brethren" may be meant the poor brethren of the church that. Gaius belonged to, and others that were well known to him; and by "the strangers", not unconverted persons, but such of the saints as came from foreign parts, and travelled about to spread the Gospel, and enlarge the interest of Christ: or else the same persons may be intended, for the words may be read, as they are in the Alexandrian copy, and some others, and in the Vulgate Latin version, "what thou doest to the brethren, and this to strangers"; that is, as the Arabic version renders it, "to strange brethren"; or, as the Syriac version, "to the brethren, and especially them that are strangers"; so that Gaius was a very hospitable man, one that entertained and lodged strangers, and used them very civilly and courteously, with great liberality, and with much integrity and sincerity.


Verse 6

Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church,.... At Ephesus, where John was; these brethren and strangers coming thither, and being greatly affected with Gaius's kindness and liberality to them, could not forbear speaking of it to his praise, in the presence of the members of the church, as well as acquainted the Apostle John with it; the Syriac version reads, "before the whole church"; they bore testimony of his liberality in a very public manner And this the apostle mentions to encourage Gaius to go on, and continue in his kindness to the same persons, since they retained such a grateful sense of past favours; and whereas they were now returning back, he desires that he would give them some further assistance:

whom if thou bring forward on their journey; the word here used signifies, to send on before, as in Acts 15:3, and is used by the Septuagint in the same sense as here, and in the above places, in Genesis 18:16; where it is said, that "Abraham went with them (the angels) to bring them on in the way", לשלחם, "to send them on", or "send them away"; dismiss them, take his leave of them in a friendly and honourable way. The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan render it, לאלוואיהון, "to accompany them"; and so this Greek word, which seems to answer to the Hebrew phrase, signifies an honourable accompanying, leading forth, and taking leave of friends; and so the apostle encourages Gaius to behave in like manner to the brethren and strangers; meaning, either by accompanying them in person, or by sending his servants along with them, both to direct them the way, and to secure them from danger, and chiefly by furnishing them with everything necessary for them; see Titus 3:13. And this he would have him do,

after a godly sort; or "worthy of God"; in imitation of God, who is merciful, kind, and beneficent; or as it became him whom God had called by his grace to his kingdom and glory; or as it was fit and proper such servants of God, as those brethren were, should be used; and this would be doing well:

thou shalt do well; what is grateful and well pleasing to God, and beautiful and lovely in the eyes of his people.


Verse 7

Because that for his name's sake they went forth,.... From Judea; either of their own accord to preach the Gospel, or being drove out by the unbelieving Jews, for professing the name of Christ; and be it which it will, there was good reason why they should be regarded, and especially since they did as follows,

taking nothing of the Gentiles; even of those who were converted, though their preaching the Gospel, to whom they ministered, for of others, the unconverted Gentiles, they could not expect to receive; and this they did, as the apostles before them, because they would not be chargeable to them, and lest it should be thought they sought their own worldly interest, and not the good of souls and glory of Christ, and so a stumblingblock be laid in the way of the Gospel, to hinder the progress of it. The Ethiopic version reads this in the singular number, "and I went forth for his name's sake, taking nothing of the Gentiles".


Verse 8

We therefore ought to receive such,.... We who are Jews, that have believed in Christ, for such an one Gaius, it seems, as well, as the apostle, were, ought to receive such preachers of the word into our houses, and entertain them cheerfully, while they continue, and supply them with all necessaries when they depart:

that we might be fellow helpers to the truth; that is, to the Gospel, and the propagation of it in the world: some are helpers to it, in preaching of it, by making use of the ministerial gifts bestowed upon them; and others are fellow helpers with them, to the same good work, by their purses, communicating freely to the support of those, who labour in the word and doctrine; and these latter have the honour to be co-workers, or fellow labourers with the former, as the word here used signifies. The Alexandrian copy reads, "fellow helpers to the church", that so the whole burden of taking care of these ministers might not lie upon them. The Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "fellow helpers of the truth".


Verse 9

I wrote unto the church,.... Where Gaius was a member: those who take Gaius to be the same with Paul's host, and whom he baptized at Corinth, think the church at Corinth is here meant; but it seems rather to be meant of some church in Asia nearer Ephesus; nor is it likely that John's first epistle should be here intended, which makes no mention of relieving the brethren, the ministers of the Gospel, that came from Judea: and that this epistle should not be preserved, need not seem strange; for it cannot be thought that everything that was written by him to particular persons, or churches, should be continued. The Alexandrian copy and one of Stephens's read, "I wrote something to the church"; upon this head, concerning receiving and supporting ministers of the Gospel, and so prevents an objection that Gaius might make, why did he not write to the church about it? The Vulgate Latin version reads, "I should", or "would have wrote": and the Syriac version, "I desired", or "wished to have wrote"; suggesting, that though he had not wrote, yet it was much upon his mind, he had a great desire to it:

but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them,

receiveth us not; which hindered him from writing, or was the reason why he wrote now to Gaius since Diotrephes gave no heed to what he had wrote, suppressed his letter, and would not suffer it to be read to the brethren. This Diotrephes, by his name, which signifies one "nourished", or "brought up by Jupiter", was a Gentile; there was one of this name, who was one of the kings of AthensF1Vid. Fabricii Bibliograph. Antiqu. p. 211. ; and what may confirm this is, his slighting and rejecting the brethren that came from Judea: it is very likely he was more than a private member in the church, and that he was an officer, and it may be the pastor; and though there is a preeminence, which of right belongs to such an officer, as to preside over the church, to govern, guide, and direct, according to the laws of Christ, he being set over the church, as a ruler, governor, and guide; yet this may be carried too far, as it was by this man, who coveted more than was his due, and lorded it over God's heritage, ruled the flock with force and cruelty, and usurped a tyrannical power over them; whereas every thing in a church ought to be done, by pastor and people, in love, meekness, and with mutual consent. And it may be also, that he sought to have the preeminence over the rest of the elders of the church, for in those large churches there were oftentimes more elders and pastors than one; see Acts 20:17. This ambitious spirit prevailed and obtained among the false teachers, who set up themselves at the head of parties, and above the apostles of Christ, and paved the way for antichrist, who assumed the title of universal bishop, which has introduced all the errors and impieties of the Romish church. Now this man such an ambitious, lordly, and governing spirit, received not the Apostle John, and those that were with him; meaning not their persons, for as yet he and they were not in person where he was; but his letter, his orders, and instructions; these he paid no regard to, concealed them from the church, and would not admit them to be read: or else the apostle's sense is, that he received not the brethren that came from him, and were recommended by him, and whom he affectionately loved, and who were near and dear to him as himself; and therefore not receiving them is interpreted by him as not receiving himself.


Verse 10

Wherefore, if I come,.... Where both Gaius and Diotrephes lived, as he trusted he should shortly, 3 John 1:14;

I will remember his deeds which he doth; meaning, not only that he would tell him of them to his face, but make mention of them, and expose them to the whole church, and reprove him for them: and which are as follow,

prating against us with malicious words; it is a common thing for ministers of the Gospel to be prated against, not only by the men of the world, but by professors of religion, and by such who call themselves preachers also; nor need it be wondered at, since John, an apostle of Christ, the beloved disciple, who was so harmless and inoffensive in his conversation, so kind and loving in his disposition and temper, so meek and humble in his deportment, and now in such an advanced age, was prated against by a Diotrephes: and what is said against Christ's ministers is no other than prating; silly, idle, trifling, and empty stuff, as the word used signifies; for want of greater things, they take up any little matter, and improve it against them; and this is often done with a malicious intent, to hurt their characters, spoil their usefulness, and render their ministry unprofitable.

And not content herewith; with prating against the Apostle John, and the ministers with him, in this wicked way:

neither doth he himself receive the brethren; the meaning is not, that he did not receive them into the church, for they were there, since afterwards mention is made of his casting them out from thence; but he did not receive them into his house, and entertain them as he ought to have done; for a minister of the Gospel, and a pastor of a church, ought to be hospitable, and given to hospitality, and entertain strangers, especially those who are brethren in Christ, and fellow ministers of the word: and the rather these were to be received, since they travelled about to spread the Gospel among the Gentiles, and took nothing of them. And this was not all, he not only did not receive them himself, and reject them, but was not willing that others should receive them:

and forbiddeth them that would; on such who had a heart, as well as ability, to receive and entertain these poor brethren, he laid his injunctions, and gave them strict orders, in his lordly and tyrannical way, not to show any respect unto them;

and casteth them out of the church; that is, he excommunicated them, either those that entertained them, or rather the brethren themselves; which was an abuse of the ordinance of excommunication, as that ordinance is abused, when any single person, a pastor, or any other, as here, assumes the power of doing it himself, and does it without the church; whereas it is a punishment or censure, to be inflicted by many, or to be done by the joint suffrage of the church; and when it is done in a wrong cause, for some small trifling matter, or none at all, and not in a case of heresy or immorality, obstinately persisted in; and when it is done from wrong principles, and with wrong ends, as to gratify the pride and passion of some; and not for the good of the person cast out, or to prevent others from falling into the same snare, or for the honour of religion, and the glory of God. The phrase seems to be taken from the Jews, who expressed their excommunication, or putting out of the synagogue, by a casting out; see John 9:34.


Verse 11

Beloved, follow not that which is evil,.... Follow not evil in general, it being hateful to God, contrary to his nature and will, and bad in itself, as well as pernicious in its consequences; and particularly follow not, or do not imitate the particular evil or evils in Diotrephes; as his pride, ambition, love of preeminence, and tyrannical government in the church, and especially his hard heartedness, cruelty, and inhospitality to the poor saints; and so the Arabic version reads, "do not imitate him in evil"; the examples of persons in office and authority have great influence, especially in cases of charity, when men can be excused thereby, and save their money, or be freed from an expense:

but that which is good; follow and imitate that, be a follower of God, imitate him in acts of kindness and beneficence, be merciful as he is; copy the deeds of Jesus Christ, who went about doing good, and declared it to be more blessed to give than to receive; and tread in the steps of those good men, who have shown love to the name of Christ, by ministering to his saints; for though the apostle may mean everything that is good, which is to be followed and imitated in any, yet he chiefly designs acts of kindness and beneficence to poor saints and ministers: to which he encourages by the following,

he that doeth good is of God; he is a child of God, he appears to be so, in that he is like to his heavenly Father, who is kind and merciful; he is born of God, he is passed from death to life, which his love to the brethren shows; he has the grace of God, and strength from Christ, and the assistance of the Spirit, without either of which he could not do that which is good:

but he that doeth evil hath not seen God; has had no spiritual saving sight of God in Christ; for if he had, he would abhor that which is evil, and, with Job, abhor himself for it, and reckon himself, with Isaiah, as undone, Job 42:6, for such effects has the sight of God on the souls of men; such an one knows not God, nor what it is to have communion with him: for those who live in sin, in whom it is a governing principle, cannot have fellowship with God; nor has such an one ever felt the love of God in his soul, or been made a partaker of his grace, which would teach and constrain him to act otherwise. Compare this text with 1 John 3:10, which shows the Apostle John to be the writer of this epistle. The Ethiopic version reads, "shall not see God"; that is, hereafter, in the world to come.


Verse 12

Demetrius hath good report of all men, This man was of a quite different cast from Diotrephes, and therefore the apostle makes mention of him to Gaius, to be followed by him, and not the other; he was either the same with Demas, which is a contraction of this name, or the person that John sent from Ephesus with this letter: we read of an Ephesian of this name, Acts 19:24; though not the same person; or else one that also was a member of the same church with Gaius and Diotrephes; and he being kind and beneficent, obtained a good report of the generality of men, not only of the brethren, but of those that were without; for a liberal man is universally respected. The Syriac version adds, "and of the church itself"; as distinct from all men, or the generality of the men of the world:

and of the truth itself; that is, whoever speaks truth must give him a good character, for this cannot be understood with any propriety of the Gospel, nor of Jesus Christ:

yea, and we also bear record; or a testimony to the character of Demetrius; that is, I, John, the apostle, and the saints at Ephesus:

and ye know that our record is true; faithful, and to be depended upon. The Alexandrian copy, and several others, read, "thou knowest", as does also the Vulgate Latin version, which seems most agreeable, since this epistle is directed to a single person; compare this with John 19:35; and it will give a further proof of this epistle being the Apostle John's.


Verse 13

I have many things to write,.... With regard to churches, and particular persons, and concerning hospitality to the poor brethren:

but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee; suggesting he should take another method of communicating his mind to him, which he next mentions.


Verse 14

But I trust I shall shortly see thee,.... Either at Ephesus, where John was, or rather at the place where Gaius lived, see 3 John 1:10;

and we shall speak face to face; freely and familiarly converse together about these things, which were not thought proper to be committed to writing:

peace be to thee; which was the usual form of salutation with the Jews, and John was one; See Gill on John 20:19;

our friends salute thee; or send their Christian salutation to thee, wishing all health and prosperity in soul and body; meaning the members of the church at Ephesus: the Arabic version reads, "thy friends"; such at Ephesus as had a particular knowledge of him, and affection for him. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "the friends": the members in general; and the Alexandrian copy reads, "the brethren"; and the Syriac version, our brethren: and then the epistle is closed thus,

greet the friends by name; meaning those that were where Gaius lived, to whom the apostle sends his salutation, and desires it might be delivered to each of them, as if they had been mentioned by name. This and the epistle of James are the only epistles which are concluded without the word "Amen".