NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3Jn 1:1 1The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
3Jn 1:1 "The elder" The term elder is synonymous with the term "pastor" and "bishop" (cf. Tit 1:5 ; Tit 1:7 ; Act 20:17 ; Act 20:28 ). See full note in 2Jn 1:1 .
▣ "the beloved" This is characteristic of John's letters (cf. 1Jn 2:7 ; 1Jn 3:2 ; 1Jn 3:21 ; 1Jn 4:1 ; 1Jn 4:7 ; 1Jn 4:11 ; 3Jn 1:1-2 ; 3Jn 1:5 ; 3Jn 1:11 ), but is not found as a title for believers in the Gospel or the Revelation.
▣ "Gaius" There has been much discussion as to whether Gaius or Diotrephes is the pastor of this local church. It is hard to make any dogmatic statement from this slight amount of information which is available. Because of 3Jn 1:9 , where "the church" and "them" are mentioned, it is possible that Diotrephes was the leader of one house church and Gaius was the leader of another house church which was very close by, but this is pure speculation.
▣ "whom I love in truth" "Love and truth" are found together often in John's letters (cf. 2Jn 1:1-4 ; 3Jn 1:1 ; 3Jn 1:3-4 ; 3Jn 1:8 ; 3Jn 1:12 ). Truth can refer to
1. the Holy Spirit (cf. Joh 14:17 )
2. Jesus the Son (cf. Joh 8:32 ; Joh 14:6 )
3. the content of the gospel (cf. 1Jn 2:2 ; 1Jn 3:23 )
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3Jn 1:2-4 2Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
3Jn 1:2 "I pray" This follows a typical Greek letter opening. It is a prayer/wish for the recipients' prosperity and health. It was a way to greet a loved one. This cannot be used as a proof text for the "health, wealth gospel," so popular in modern America. See Gordon Fee (a charismatic scholar), The Disease of the Health, Wealth Gospel. For my views on healing, please see my notes on James 5 online at www.freebiblecommentary.org <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/>.
▣ "that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health" This is a typical opening prayer in the Greco-Roman world of the first century. It was never meant to be a proof-text for "health, wealth, and prosperity" preachers. Bible texts removed from context can be used to assert anything. The text cannot mean today what it never meant in its own day. The only inspired person is the original author. We must follow his thoughts, not interject our own!
▣ "soul" This term "psuche" (soul) is almost synonymous with "pneuma." They are used to refer to the essence of personhood or self. This does not refer to an isolated part of man (body, soul, spirit). Humans are a unity (cf. Gen 2:7 ). We are a soul; we do not have a soul.
3Jn 1:3 "I was very glad" (cf. 2Jn 1:4 ; Php 4:10 ).
▣ "came and testified" Both of these are present participles which imply that
1. members of this church traveled regularly to Ephesus and reported to John
2. that returning missionaries reported Gaius' generosity
Possibly John, an old man, could not travel easily, but he loved to hear the condition and growth of the churches.
▣ "walking in the truth" This phrase is theologically parallel to "walk in the light" (cf. 1Jn 1:7 ). Christianity is not primarily a creed, a ritual, or an institution to be joined, but a life to be lived in relationship with Jesus Christ. The early church was first called "The Way" (cf. Act 9:2 ; Act 19:9 ; Act 19:23 ; Act 24:22 ). Truth is not only intellectual (content), but also a relationship (first with God through Christ resulting in love for one another). See Special Topics on Truth at Joh 6:55 ; Joh 17:3 .
3Jn 1:4 "my children" This is a common designation in John's letters (cf. 1Jn 2:12-13 ; 1Jn 2:18 ; 1Jn 2:28 ; 1Jn 3:7 ; 1Jn 3:18 ; 1Jn 4:4 ; 1Jn 5:21 ). The emphasis here is on (1) John's apostolic authority or (2) John's term of affection for the churches and Christians of the Roman Province of Asia Minor (western Turkey), where he spent his last days of ministry.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3Jn 1:5-8 5Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; 6and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.
3Jn 1:5 "you are acting faithfully" These actions by Gaius are exactly opposite of Diotrephes' actions in 3Jn 1:9-10 . See Special Topics: Believe, Trust, Faith, and Faithfulness at Joh 1:7 and Joh 1:14 .
▣ "in whatever you accomplish" This is a relative pronoun with ean and an aorist middle subjunctive which expresses a condition with the prospect of being fulfilled. Gaius had helped traveling missionaries on every occasion and in every way possible.
▣ "especially when they are strangers" The church should have been welcoming and supporting these itinerant Christian missionaries, but because of the local situation, Gaius alone was helping these brethren of whom he knew nothing except that they also knew, served, and loved Jesus Christ.
3Jn 1:6 "they have testified to your love before the church" Obviously the early church in Ephesus had a missionary report time during their corporate worship.
SPECIAL TOPIC: Church (ekklesia) <http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/special_topics/church.html>
▣ "You will do well" This is a Greek idiom found in the Egyptian papyri (see Moulton and Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament) for "please" (cf. Act 10:33 ).
▣ "to send them on their way" This is a technical idiom for equipping, praying for, and supplying the needs of traveling missionaries (cf. Act 15:3 ; Rom 15:24 ; 1Co 16:6 ; 2Co 1:16 ; Tit 3:13 ).
▣ "in a manner worthy of God" This means in a significant, loving, abundant way (cf. Col 1:10 ; 1Th 2:12 ). Believers are to treat gospel workers in a manner befitting who they serve (cf. Eph 4:1 ).
3Jn 1:7 NASB, REB "they went out"
NKJV "they went forth"
NRSV "they began their journey"
TEV, NJB "they set out"
This very common verb is used of
1. the false teachers leaving the church in 1Jn 2:19 2. false prophets going out into the world in 1Jn 4:1 3. many deceivers going out into the world in 2Jn 1:7 4. true Apostolic witnesses going out (into the world) in 3Jn 1:7
NASB "for the sake of the Name"
NKJV "for His name's sake"
NRSV "for the sake of Christ"
TEV "in the service of Christ"
NJB "entirely for the sake of the name"
This is an example of "the name" standing for the person and work of Jesus Christ. As believers believe in His name (cf. Joh 1:12 ; Joh 3:18 ; Rom 10:9 ; 1Co 12:3 ; Php 2:9-11 ), they are forgiven in His name (1Jn 2:13 ), they also act for His name (cf. Mat 10:22 ; Mat 24:9 ; Mar 13:13 ; Luk 21:12 ; Luk 21:17 ; Joh 15:21 ; Joh 20:31 ; Act 4:17 ; Act 5:41 ; Act 9:14 ; Rom 1:5 ; 1Pe 4:14 ; 1Pe 4:16 ; Rev 2:3 ).
NASB "accepting nothing from the Gentiles"
NKJV "taking nothing from the Gentiles"
NRSV "accepting no support from non-believers"
TEV "without accepting any help from unbelievers"
NJB "without depending on non-believers for anything"
This phrase refers to these witnesses trusting God for His provision, much like Jesus' words to the Twelve in Mat 10:5-15 and the Seventy in Luk 10:4-7 .
This is the late first century use of "Gentiles" as an allusion to pagans or unbelievers (cf. Mat 5:47 ; 1Pe 2:12 ; 1Pe 4:3 ). Believers are to support gospel work! Who one helps reveals his heart.
In John's day many traveling teachers taught for money and reputation. God's teachers/preachers/evangelists were to be helped not for their words, but because of their Lord whose mission they were sacrificially involved in.
3Jn 1:8 "we ought" This is an oft repeated, moral admonition (cf. Joh 13:14 ; Joh 19:7 ; 1Jn 2:6 ; 1Jn 3:16 ; 1Jn 4:11 ). The term opheilô means literally to be in financial debt, but it came to be used figuratively to be obligated or to be indebted to someone.
▣ "to support such men" Hospitality was a crucial duty of the early church because of the deplorable moral conditions of most of the local inns (cf. Mat 25:35 ; Rom 12:13 ; 1Ti 3:2 ; 1Ti 5:10 ; Tit 1:8 ; Heb 13:2 ; 1Pe 4:9 ).
▣ "so that we may be fellow workers with the truth" As believers help missionaries, they are involved in their work of faith and truth. This is a gospel principle! The NT guidelines for Christian giving are found in 2 Corinthians 8-9.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3Jn 1:9-10 9I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them our of the church.
3Jn 1:9 "I wrote something to the church" This may refer to I or 2 John or to a lost letter; in all probability it refers to 2 John. See Special Topic: Church (Ekklesia) at 3Jn 1:6 .
▣ "Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them" This is a present active participle. This is a compound term "love" (phileô) and "to hold first rank" (prôteuô). It is used only here in the NT, but the second term is used in Col 1:18 of Christ's premier rank. This man is the first recorded "power-broker" or "church boss." We do not know if he was the pastor or simply a significant layman. However, this does show his motives. This kind of egotistical individual has been present in the church in every age! Whether he was also a Gnostic is uncertain and unstated, but possible.
James Dunn, Unity and Diversity in the New Testament, p. 392, sees Diotrephes as an example of "early catholicism."
"In particular, John's individualism is very plausibly to be understood precisely as a protest against the kind of institutionalizing trends so evident in Pastorals (above pp. 129f., cf. again Hebrews and Revelation - §§31.2, 3). Likewise the Johannine writings seem if anything to be opposed to the kind of sacramentalism which is already clearly established in the early catholicism of Ignatius ('the medicine of immortality' - Eph., 20.2) (see above §41). Most intriguing of all is the attack of 'the elder' on Diotrephes in 3Jn 1:9 f. Diotrephes was clearly in control of this church at least: not only was he able to refuse a welcome to visiting Christians, but he also 'expels from the church' those who crossed him. Diotrephes, in other words, was acting with the authority of a monarchical bishop (cf. Ignatius, Eph., 6.1; Trall., 7.2; Smyrn., 8.1f), and it was against this lust for ecclesiastical prominence and power (philoprôteuôn) that 'the elder' wrote. In other words, assuming that 3 John comes from the same circle as I and 2 John, it is best seen as the response of a kind of convention or conventicle Christianity, an anti-institutional and individualistic pietism, protesting against the increasing influence of early catholicism."
▣ "does not accept what we say" Not only did Diotrephes reject John's Apostolic authority, but he was aggressively involved in rejecting Apostolic policy and even taking his vengeance out on those who would follow!
3Jn 1:10 "if" This is a third class conditional sentence which means potential action.
▣ "I will call attention to his deeds" John wants to clearly delineate this man's motives (cf. 3Jn 1:9 ) and actions (cf. 3Jn 1:10 ):
1. NASB - "unjustly accusing us with wicked words"
NKJV - "prating against us with malicious words"
NRSV - "spreading false charges against us"
TEV - "the terrible things he says about us and the lies he tells"
NJB - "the wicked accusations he has been circulating against us"
2. "he himself does not receive the brethren"
3. "he forbids those who desire to do so"
4. "he puts them out of the church"
This man wants the attention and will not share the spotlight with anyone. He also removes anyone from the church who disagrees, or might disagree, with him.
▣ "puts them out of the church" This same strong verb (ekballô) is used in Joh 9:34-35 for the blind man who Jesus healed being excommunicated from the Synagogue.
It is also used of Satan being cast out in Joh 12:31 .
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3Jn 1:11-12 11Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. 12Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
3Jn 1:11 "do not imitate what is evil" This is a present middle (deponent) imperative which often implies to stop an act in process. We get the English term "mimic" from this Greek word (mimeomai). We must carefully choose our role models. They ought to be mature Christian persons in the church (cf. 2Th 3:7 ; 2Th 3:9 ; Heb 6:12 ; Heb 13:7 ). Demetrius is a good example, Diotrephes is a bad example.
▣ "The one who does good is of God" John's letters have three tests by which one can know they are Christian. This refers to the obedience test (cf. 1Jn 2:3-6 ; 1Jn 2:28-29 ; 1Jn 3:4-10 ; 1Jn 5:18 ; 2Jn 1:6 ). There are also allusions to the other two tests: (1) doctrine (3Jn 1:3-4 ) and (2) love (3Jn 1:1-2 ; 3Jn 1:6 ).
▣ "the one who does evil has not seen God" The false teachers claimed to know God intimately but lived godless and loveless lives. This reflects the antinomian, libertine Gnostics who believed that salvation was an intellectual truth to be affirmed but had no relationship to daily life.
3Jn 1:12 "Demetrius has received good testimony" This is a perfect passive indicative. This really seems to be a letter of recommendation from John to Gaius about the missionary Demetrius, who may have delivered 3 John to Gaius. For other letters of recommendations in the NT, see Act 18:27 ; Rom 16:1 ; 1Co 16:3 ; 2Co 3:1 ; 2Co 8:16-24 ; Col 4:10 .
▣ "and from truth itself" Truth (see Special Topics at Joh 6:55 ; Joh 17:3 ) is personified as another witness to Demetrius' good testimony.
▣ "you know that our testimony is true" John is asserting his own trustworthy witness to Christ (cf. Joh 19:35 ; Joh 21:24 ).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3Jn 1:13-14 13I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; 14but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.
3Jn 1:13 This is very similar to 2Jn 1:12 .
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3Jn 1:14 b
14bPeace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
3Jn 1:14 "Peace be to you" This is obviously a reference to the Hebraic idiom shalom (cf. Luk 10:5 ). It can mean "hello" or "good-bye." It expresses not only the absence of problems but the presence of God's blessings. These were the resurrected Christ's first words to the disciples in the upper room (cf. Joh 20:19 ; Joh 20:21 ; Joh 20:26 ). Both Paul (cf. Eph 6:23 ) and Peter (cf. 1Pe 5:14 ) used this as a closing prayer for God's people.
▣ "by name" This is an idiom for individually, personally, and warmly. It was used often in the Egyptian papyri.
3Jn 1:1. The well-beloved Gaius,- We read of one Gaius, of Corinth, Rom 16:23 who hospitably received St. Paul, when he went out to preach the gospel gratis; and if this were, as he seems to have been, the same, he was St. Paul's convert: nor is St. John's calling him his child, an argument to the contrary; since in the general he addresses all Christians in the same tender and affectionate style, agreeably to the sweetness of his temper, and suitably to his advanced years.
3Jn 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 1Co 16:2. Comp. Psa 1:3.
3Jn 1:3. Testified of the truth- Testified concerning the truth (σου τη αληθεια ), as thou walkest in the truth, and adornest the gospel by an exemplary behaviour.
3Jn 1:4. To hear that my children- There is no occasion to understand hereby that they were all St. John's own converts: (see 1Jn 2:1) he had styled himself the elder; there was therefore a beauty in his calling all those his children, who were under his apostolic care, or paternal inspection; and he rejoiced like a tender father over a wise son. The apostle seems to have alluded to Pro 10:1 with which compare Pro 13:1; Pro 17:25; Pro 19:13. Baxter's note on this verse is, "True ministers rejoice more for the welfare of men's souls, than in preferments, wealth, or worldly honour."
3Jn 1:5. Thou doest faithfully- "As becomes a faithful Christian." The Papists have contrived, by various falsifications, to make the scriptures speak the language of their church. We have given a remarkable instance on Jam 5:11. Here we have another; for "St. John," say they, "praises Gaius, for having dealt faithfully with pilgrims." See "Popery an Enemy to Scripture," by Mr. Serces, and the Preface to Dr. Middleton's Letter from Rome, p. 66, &c.
3Jn 1:6. If thou bring forward on their journey- If, according to your wonted kindness, you will do what in you lies to give them all needful assistances for their journey, in a manner suitable to your own Christian temper, and to their relation to, and employment for God, you will act (καλως ) a worthy part toward them in imitation of his goodness.
3Jn 1:7. Because that for his name's sake- "For the sake of spreading the name or religion of Jesus:" out of zeal for his honour and interest, they went out, abandoned their habitations, possessions, and callings, that they might spread his gospel; receiving nothing of the Gentiles among whom they laboured, that they might take off all suspicion of those mercenary views, above which divine grace had so far raised them.
3Jn 1:8. We therefore ought to receive such, &c.- "It therefore certainly is our duty, who wish well to the cause of Christ and to immortal souls, to take such generous, and disinterested, and needy ministers into our affectionate care and kind regards; and to be helpful to them according to our ability, that we may have the pleasure and the honour of bearing a part with them in the success of their ministrations, by contributing to their maintenance; and so may work together with them in propagating the truth of the gospel among the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
3Jn 1:9. But Diotrephes,- Diotrephes has been taken for a Gentile Christian, who would not receive the Jewish Christians; and it must be acknowledged that it was a common name among the Gentiles: but it is also well known, that Alexander, Philip, Stephen, AEneas, and many other Gentile names, were common among the Jews, and therefore the name of Diotrephes will prove nothing. Besides, the Gentile Christians rarely or ever refused communion with the Jewish Christians; but the Judaizing Christians very frequently refused to join with the Gentile converts; and several of the Judaizers resisted men endued with apostolic authority. Diotrephes therefore seems to have been a zealous, bigoted, Judaizing Christian, the minister of some Christian church near Ephesus; who was out of all patience with such as preached the gospel to the Gentiles, and would neither use them kindly himself, when they passed that way, nor suffer any of his church, if he could help it, to treat them with kindness, and encourage them in that attempt.
3Jn 1:10. If I come,- When I come. See 1Jn 3:2. 2Co 13:2. Diotrephes's turning out of the church such as displeased him, renders it highly probable that he was bishop or pastor of that church. See the former note.
3Jn 1:11. Follow not that which is evil,- Imitate not, &c. As Diotrephes seems to have been pastor of the church where Gaius lived, and a zealous, conceited, Judaizing Christian, it is not unlikely but he made boasting pretensions to greater knowledge of God and of the Gospel than St. John had; and lest such glorying should recommend his bad example, and make him pass for a person of high reputation, St. John cautions Gaius against following his example; and recommends to him rather the imitation of such plain honest Christians as kindly received those whotravelled about to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. It is very likely that they boasted not of their own knowledge, but behaved well; and that was a much better proof of their understanding the nature of God, and of the gospel of Christ, than any pretensions to uncommon knowledge, without a suitable temper and conduct.
3Jn 1:12. Demetrius hath good report- Good men are in scripture often and justly praised; and the giving of such characters did not proceed from selfishness, flattery, or respect of persons, but from the real truth of the case. When the scriptures condemn persons, it is not from malice or personal resentment, but because of their wickedness; and they applaud no man, but for his holiness, virtue, and piety. Demetrius has been taken for a member of that church to which Gaius belonged. Others, however, take Demetrius for the bearer of this letter, and one of the most eminent and zealous of the persons who had then got out into those parts, preaching the gospel gratis to the Gentiles. This would probably exasperate Diotrephes the more against him, and render it proper for the apostle to be more particular and earnest in recommending Demetrius to the peculiar protection and regard of G
3Jn 1:14. Greet the friends by name.- St. John's saluting the faithful Christians by name, shewed his paternal and affectionate regard for them, and tended, under the divine blessing, to keep them steadfast in the truth and purity of the gospel. Comp. 1Co 16:21; 1Co 16:24.
Inferences.-How desirable, but, alas! how few are the instances of such prosperity of soul and spiritual concerns, as one would wish to be the measure of a proportional state of bodily health and success in temporal affairs! Such Christians as abound in faith and charity towards their pious acquaintance and strangers, and give substantial proofs of it in their lives, are exceeding lovely and greatly beloved, rejoiced in, caressed, and honourably spoken of as worthy of imitation, by all true friends to the gospel of Christ, and especially by his ministering servants. But how should proud, insolent imposers upon churches, and malicious revilers of the uncorrupted gospel and its faithful preachers, be detested, exposed, and censured, as open enemies to it and them, and as injurious and domineering lords over God's heritage, who will neither do good themselves, nor suffer others to do it that would! They are strangers to the true knowledge of God: but all who, from principles of faith and love, seek and do the things that please him, are his children, and ought, for his sake, to assist ministering servants in their Lord's work, that they may bear a part with them in propagating evangelical truth and the good of precious souls. To write such things as these to Christian friends, as occasions offer, is very useful: but how much more delightful and advantageous is it to converse freely together about them! May all religious affection be ever preserved among true believers, and mutual sincere wishes of every kind of happiness, both temporal and spiritual, be cultivated between them, with cordial friendship one towards another! And especially may our love abound to those who have a desire to spread the gospel. And O, that it were more universal! O, that Divine grace would excite more to quit the indulgence of their homes, or their countries, if there be no bond of duty to detain them there, that they may go and preach to the Gentiles! And, though there be no prospect of any requital from them, God will open to them his celestial treasure, and they shall be recompensed in the resurrection of the just.
REFLECTIONS.-1st, We have,
1. The inscription and salutation. The elder, John, unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth, as a faithful member of Jesus Christ. Beloved, I wish above all things, that thou mayest prosper, and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth; and may your success in all temporal things, and your bodily health, bear pace with your spiritual prosperity. Note; (1.) The true prosperity, and that which is most desirable, is the health of the soul. (2.) Bodily health is a singular mercy, especially as it enables us more eminently to improve our spiritual gifts and graces for the good of mankind.
2. He testifies the satisfaction that he felt in the report which he had heard. For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came, and testified of the truth that is in thee, of thy faith and love unfeigned; even as thou walkest in the truth, adorning with all manner of holy conversation thy Christian profession. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Note; It is a sincere and heartfelt delight to the faithful ministers of Christ, to behold the children whom they have begotten in the gospel, walk worthy of their vocation.
3. He commends his kind and charitable conduct. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; such hospitality and generosity are the general characteristics of thy faithful heart, and have been justly praised by those which have borne witness of thy charity before the church, and gratefully acknowledged the kindnesses which they received: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, and assist those itinerant preachers of the gospel who devote their time and labour to this blessed work of spreading the glad tidings through the earth, thou shalt do well, and act a noble part in thus advancing the blessed cause of our divine Redeemer; because that for his name's sake they went forth, giving up all the world, that they might devote themselves wholly to the ministry, and, with a spirit uninfluenced by any mercenary views, taking nothing of the Gentiles, but preaching the gospel of God freely. We therefore, who wish well to that service, and whom God hath blessed with ability, ought to receive such, and afford them a comfortable maintenance; that we might be fellow-helpers to the truth, and, though not ordained to be preachers, may hereby receive a preacher's reward. Note; They who devote themselves to the ministry, foregoing all worldly pursuits for the love of Christ and immortal souls, deserve every kindness at our hands that we can shew them.
2nd, The apostle,
1. Points out a man of a very different character. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, and proudly to lord it over them, receiveth us not, pays no regard to our apostolic injunctions. Wherefore if, or when, I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, and severely animadvert upon his imperious and uncharitable conduct, prating against us with malicious words, assuming the most insolent airs, and daring even to cast reproach on the divinely-constituted apostles of the Son of God: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren to any hospitable entertainment in his house, and forbiddeth them that would; and, when any notwithstanding disobey his mandates, and receive, assist, and further in their way those faithful ministers of Christ, who travel preaching the gospel, he casteth them out of the church, merely for presuming to disobey his wicked commands and usurped authority. Note; (1.) Nothing is more contrary to the spirit of a Christian minister, than overbearing arrogance and pride. (2.) They are doubly wicked, who neither will do good themselves, nor suffer those to do it, who are willing.
2. He dissuades Gaius from copying so bad an example. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good; let no height of station or office lead you to copy a bad man, but ever imitate the excellent and the generous. He that doeth good, is of God, proves that he is born of him, and partakes of his Spirit: but he that doeth evil, hath not seen God; whatever pretensions of religion he may make, he is destitute of all experimental knowledge of divine things.
3. He mentions Demetrius as an excellent man, and worthy of imitation. Demetrius hath good report of all men; all who know him bear testimony of his amiable and pious conversation; and of the truth itself, every one who would speak the truth, must acknowledge his excellence; and we, who are ministers of truth, declare our full approbation of him: and ye know that our record is true, and may be assuredly depended upon. Note;
It is a noble character indeed, so to behave as to be entitled to universal applause, and to be approved of God, and of all men of truth and integrity.
4. He concludes his epistle with the hopes of a personal interview shortly. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee; but I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face, when I can more fully communicate all my mind. Peace be to thee; prosperity of every kind attend thee in body and soul. Our friends salute thee, joining in all Christian wishes. Greet the friends with thee by name, presenting to each my most affectionate remembrances.
*.* The Reader is referred to the different Authors mentioned often already.
