wish = pray. App-134 . above = concerning. App-104 . prosper . Greek. euodoumai. See Romans 1:10 . be in health . Greek. hugiaino. See Luke 5:31 . soul . App-110 . 3 John 1:1 . As Gaius had a sound mind, John desires for him a sound body also. read more
Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.Beloved ... "Three of the first eleven words with which the Epistle opens refer to love."[8]That thou mayest prosper ... Here the apostle prayed for the prosperity of Gaius, and from this it is clearly not wrong for Christians to pray for prosperity; however, the qualifier should be carefully noted, "as thy soul prospereth!" The prosperity of the soul is paramount. Truly Christian people need... read more
3 John 1:2. Above all things— In every respect. Schmidius and Doddridge. The word 'Ευοδουσθαι signifies to walk in a right path, or to go prosperously on one's way; from whence it is applied to prosperity in general. See 1 Corinthians 16:2. Comp. Psalms 1:3. read more
above all things — Greek, “concerning all things”: so Alford: in all respects. But Wahl justifies English Version (compare :-). 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 ( :-) that... read more
Gaius was in good spiritual condition; he was walking in the light (cf. 1 John 1:7). John prayed that all would go well with him (NIV) and that he might enjoy as good physical health as he did spiritual health."He must surely have learned this from Jesus whose concern for people’s physical troubles is attested in all four Gospels." [Note: Zane C. Hodges, "3 John," in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, p. 912.] The physical and general welfare of others should be of concern to us as... read more
A. Commendation of Gaius’ Love VV. 2-4 read more
II. UPHOLDING THE TRUTH WITH LOVE VV. 2-12The word "Beloved" introduces each of the three sections of the body of this brief epistle. read more
(2 a.) (2) Beloved.—St. John’s affection is founded on the high merits of Caius as a Christian.Above all things.—This may mean “in all things.”Be in health.—An ascetic would be surprised that one of the greatest of the Apostles should be so earnest on such a point. But the better a man’s health, the more thoroughly he can do the work of God. Sickness may be allowed to chasten the erring or rebellious heart, but a Christian whose faith is firm and character established, can ill afford to despise... read more
Commentary on the Second Epistle THE THIRD EPISTLE The Third Epistle is addressed by the elder, the aged Apostle John, to a brother by name of Gaius. A Gaius is mentioned in Acts 19:29 ; Acts 20:4 , Romans 16:23 and 1 Corinthians 1:14 . It is impossible to say whether this is the same. John calls him well-beloved, whom he loved in the truth. Thus he emphasizes the truth once more as he had done before. He wishes that he might prosper in his body, in health, as even his soul prospered. He had... read more
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Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 3 John 1:2-4
3 John 1:2-4. Beloved, I wish Or, I pray, as ευχομαι is translated by Beza, Estius, Erasmus, Schmidius, Doddridge, and others. Above all things Or, with respect to all things, as περι παντων rather signifies; that thou mayest prosper and be in health Namely, of body; even as, I doubt not, thy soul prospereth In faith, love, and every virtue. For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren Who went to the church, of which thou art a member; came back and testified of the truth... read more