VERSE 1. THE ELDER UNTO THE WELL BELOVED GAIUS. This is a repetition of what was said in the second epistle by the writer as to himself. He calls himself here, as there, the elder. It may be an allusion to his age; in any event, it exhibits the same modesty that his brother apostle, Peter, showed i... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 2. BELOVED, I WISH ABOVE ALL THINGS. The writer unbosomed himself to the person he addresses by showing his warm affection for him in the expression: "I wish above all things." The wish is, that he may prosper and be in health, and the extent of that prosperity and health which he wished Gaiu... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 3. FOR I REJOICED GREATLY. John now gives Gaius a view of how the reports the brethren brought him of the conduct and conversation of Gaius affected him. He was overjoyed to learn that Gaius exhibited all these unmistakable evidences of being a true follower of the Master, notwithstanding his... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 4. I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN TO HEAR. John's life was wrapped up in his desire to have all men learn, and know, and obey the truth. For this he lived; for this he labored; for this he suffered. And when he heard of men and women who had taken upon themselves the name of Christ, acting in acc... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 5. BELOVED, THOU DOEST FAITHFULLY. Here, the apostle commends the conduct of Gaius. His hospitality extended not only to the brethren known to be such, but also to those who were unknown those who were strangers. The contrast of this conduct with the men of that age was marked. In this hospit... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 6. WHICH HAVE BORNE WITNESS. Persons upon whom these Christian favors had been bestowed by Gaius, the recipients of his Christian charity, had given the apostle information concerning it. It should, therefore, be no surprise to Gaius that the writer should speak of the matter in this epistle.... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 7. BECAUSE THAT FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE. Those whom I desire you to help on their journey went forth to sound the praises of the Master, the love of God to the world, that those who should be hearers might become the sons of God. Now, these went forth on this mission of love without calling upon... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 8. WE THEREFORE OUGHT TO RECEIVE SUCH Since it is not prudent for those who go out upon evangelizing tours to ask for aid from the Gentiles, we who are members of Christ's body, the church, ought to receive such and aid them to the extent of our ability. We thus become fellow-helpers in sprea... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 9. I WROTE UNTO THE CHURCH. That is, John wrote a letter to the church of which Gaius was a member. This letter has not come down to us; it is presumably lost. BUT DIOTREPHES. Here is the first mention of this man; nowhere else is he mentioned on the sacred pages. The same character he seem... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 10. WHEREFORE, IF I COME, I WILL REMEMBER HIS DEEDS. Here, in my judgment, the apostle asserts authority. The founder of the Christian faith had selected John as one upon whom authority was conferred to establish the kingdom and publish all the laws necessary for its government; and while he... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 11. BELOVED, FOLLOW NOT THAT WHICH IS EVIL. The course pursued by Diotrephes he regarded as evil. His desire was that the saints should pursue an exactly opposite course that which is good and he proceeds to give the all-important reason. HE THAT DOETH GOOD IS OF GOD. He is begotten of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 12. DEMETRIUS HATH GOOD REPORT. Here the apostle brings into view a very different character to Diotrephes. He calls him Demetrius. He says the testimony concerning him from all sources is good. His benevolence, his meekness, his humility, meet with universal commendation. The gospel itself c... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 13. I HAD MANY THINGS TO WRITE. John thought of other things concerning the church its members, Diotrephes, Demetrius, and all but forebore writing with pen and ink, lest it fall into improper hands.... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 14. BUT I TRUST I SHALL SHORTLY SEE THEE. Here he expresses the hope that some time in the near future he can meet Gaius, when he can, face to face, talk over the things about which he forbears to write, and since having the hope of so meeting, it would be needless to write. PEACE BE TO THEE... [ Continue Reading ]