3 John 1:2-5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 3 John 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... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 3 John 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 (3 John 1:3), who have borne witness of thy charity before the church, 3 John 1:6. 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... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 3 John 1:1-4

1:1-4 The Elder to Gaius, the beloved, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that everything is going well with you, and that you are in good health of body, as it goes well with your soul. It gave me great joy when certain brothers came and testified of the truth of your life, as indeed you do walk in the truth. No news brings me greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. No New Testament letter better shows that the Christian letters were exactly on the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 3 John 1:5-8

1:5-8 Beloved, whatever service you render to the brothers, strangers as they are, is an act of true faith and they testify to your love before the church. It will be a further kindness, if you send them on their way worthily of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the Name and they take no assistance from pagans. It is a duty to support such men, that we may show ourselves fellow-workers with the truth. Here we come to John's main object in writing. A group of travelling... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 3 John 1:5-8

Further, this passage tells us about the wandering missionaries who gave up home and comfort to carry afield the word of God. In 3 John 1:7 Paul says that they have gone forth for the sake of the Name and take no assistance from pagans. (It is just possible that 3 John 1:7 might refer to those who had come out from the Gentiles taking nothing with them, those who for the sake of Christianity had left their work and their home and their friends and had no means of support.) In the ancient... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 3 John 1:2

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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 3 John 1:3

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,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 3 John 1:4

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. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 3 John 1:5

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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 3 John 1:2

I wish above all things - Περι παντων ευχομαι· Above all things I pray that thou mayest prosper, and be in health, και ὑγιαινειν· to which one MS. adds εν αληθεια , which gives it a different meaning, viz., that thou mayest be sound in the truth. The prayer of St. John for Caius includes three particulars: Health of body; Health of soul; and Prosperity in secular affairs. That thou mayest Prosper and be in Health, as thy Soul Prospereth. These three things, so necessary to the... read more

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