3 John
ANNOTATIONS ON THE THIRD EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN.
Transcribed by David Morgan and Joseph Weissman.
This epistle is inscribed to Gaius, to whom the apostle first wishes all happiness, then commends him for his zeal to the truth and hospitality to the brethren, advising him not to be discouraged by the proud and perverse carriage of Diotrephes, but to follow the good example of Demetrius. Lastly, he concludes with a resolution to see him quickly, and confer with him lovingly of these things, and salutations from Gaius’ friends with him, and to his friends with Gaius.
Verse 1. {The elder} See on 2 John 1.
{Gaius} Not to Gaius of Derbe, mentioned in Acts 20:4, nor of Macedonia, spoken of in Acts 19:29, but of Corinth, as is commonly thought (1 Corinthians 1:14), Paul's host (Romans 16:23).
{in the truth} Or, truly. See on 2 John 1.
V. 2. {I wish} Or, pray.
{above all things} Greek: of all things. Or, in all things. He wishes that Gaius may prosper in all persons and things belonging to him.
{that thou mayest prosper} Greek: go well in the way (Romans 1:10). Our life is the way to heaven, and John wishes Gaius a comfortable passage there (1 Corinthians 16:2).
{and be in health} In bodily health, for spiritual health follows.
{as thy soul prospereth} By peace of conscience, through faith in Christ (Romans 5:1-2). As you thrive, and are well in soul, so I wish that you will prosper in body and state. Ψυχή signifies firstly, the soul (Matthew 10:28), secondly, the life (Matthew 2:20), thirdly, a man (Romans 13:10, fourthly, good will (Ephesians 6:6), fifthly, the regenerate part of man (1 Peter 2:11), and sixthly, a man’s dead body (Acts 2:27).
V. 3. {I rejoiced greatly} See 2 John 4.
{when the brethren came, and testified of the truth that is in thee} The brethren – sent by John about the public affairs of the church, and commended to the church of Corinth, where Gaius lived, by John's epistle, (verse 9) refused by Diotrephes (verse 10), entertained by Gaius (verses 5-6), and now returned to John, testified of Gaius’ sincerity in religion (John 3:21) and his kind entertainment of them (verse 6). So Paul does (Philippians 4:10, 18, 2 Corinthians 9:1, Hebrews 6:10). Or it may be understood of any Christians that came from there.
{even as thou walkest in the truth} In the true way set out in the gospel. See on 2 John 4.
V. 4. {than} Greek: than these joys. Or, than of these things.
{that my children} Converted by my ministry, (1 Corinthians 4:15, 1 Timothy 1:2, Philemon 10, Galatians 4:19, Titus 1:4).
{walk in the truth} See on verse 3.
V. 5. {thou doest faithfully} As becomes a faithful Christian. Or, like a good steward of worldly goods received from God (1 Peter 4:10).
{whatsoever thou doest} In entertaining the saints. It was, no doubt, a great comfort to Gaius, that the Spirit of God commends his charity by John’s pen, which Diotrephes and his followers disliked.
{to the brethren, and to strangers} To those poor Christians that live by you, and to others that come to sojourn there a while (Isaiah 58:6, Matthew 10:40 and 25:35, Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9. Or), to the brethren, yea, to strangers; as this particle is used (Matthew 26:60). Your kindness does not end at your neighboring Christians, but extends itself to strangers also. Or, by and, is meant especially, as Matthew 13:41 Mark 16:7 and elsewhere, where a special is put after his general. Your kindness to all Christians shows your faithfulness to God, but especially that which is shown to such as came to preach the gospel, or were driven from their own home for the profession of it (verse 7).. For such being unknown there, and not able to recompense kindness received; this kind of charity is highly praised by God (Deuteronomy 10:18-19, Luke 14:14). Or, to the brethren, even to the strangers: To wit, sent by John. See on verse 3. So the particle is used in Mark 18:25.
V. 6. {Which have born witness} See on verse 3.
{of thy charity} To others. Or, of thy kind entertainment of them.
{before the church} In the assembly where John was. The Greek word ἐκκλησίᾳ signifies: (1) any assembly of men (Acts 19:32), (2) an assembly of Christians (1 Corinthians 14:34), (3) the assembly of saints in heaven (Ephesians 5:27), (4) Christians on earth (Acts 5:11), (5) their meeting place (1 Corinthians 11:22), and (6) the whole company of God’s elect (Matthew 16:18). Here it is taken in the second sense.
{whom if thou bring forward on their journey} It may be they might be some godly Christians coming from beyond Corinth to John for public advice, from the Churches, whom Gaius had treated kindly, and now he advises him to do so in their return. Or, if it be meant of those that had returned to John, being sent from him before, he persuades Gaius to treat them kindly when he shall have occasion to send them again. Or it may be understood of other such people (verse 5) whom John would have Gaius to also accompany along some part of their way, as Christians used to do to their brethren that were strangers, especially to ministers (Acts 15:3, 20:38 and 21:5, 1 Corinthians 16:11, 2 Corinthians 1:16, Titus 3:13), either because they were ignorant of the way, or the way might be unsafe, or they subject to persecution there; so that rich men, and great ones, such as Gaius seems to be, might be a great security to them, by going or sending company with them. Or it might be done to honor and comfort those strangers, or that they themselves might get as much good by their society [company] as might be [possible]. Others understand it of providing things needful for their journey, till they might come to other Christians, who might take further care of them.
{after a godly sort} Greek: worthy of God. According to God’s command. Or, worthy of the profession of God's truth, as Christians ought to do, to credit their religion. Or, honorably, as the ministers and children of God ought to be received. Or, as they would receive God (Matthew 10:40). For God, see on 2 Peter 1:17.
{thou shalt do well} Or, thou shalt do them a good turn.
V. 7. {Because, etc.} Because their wants come on them for their love to the true religion, they are worthy to be relieved by the true professors of it.
{for his Name's sake} God’s (verse 6). To make his name known, by preaching it, or suffering for it; as on verse 5.
{taking nothing of the Gentiles} They took no reward from the Gentiles for preaching to them (Matthew 10:7-8), so that men might more willingly receive the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:18-19, 2 Corinthians 11:9, 12 and 12:14). Or, being persecuted for their religion, they left all their goods to their persecutors, and fled for their lives. Ἔθνος signifies: (1) a company of men in general (Matthew 25:32), (2) the nation of the Jews specially (John 11:48), or (3) the Gentiles in particular (Matthew 6:32) – so here.
V. 8. {We therefore} We Christians, yea, we Jewish Christians especially, that they may preach to the Gentiles, to bring them in to join with us.
{ought to receive such} To offer and afford them entertainment voluntarily, before they ask for it (Genesis 28:1, 3 and 19:1, 2, Luke 24:29, Heb. 3:2.
{that we might be fellow-helpers} Gr. fellow-workmen. By supplying them with means, that they may preach the truth, or suffer for it the more willingly. This is a great encouragement to help others, that we are accounted to have a part in the work, though it be a prophet’s, and shall have a part in the reward (Matthew 10:41). Also it may intimate that as they were relieved by these now, so these may be by them in the work another time (2 Corinthians 8:14).
{to the truth} Or, for the truth. Or, in the truth. They were fellow helpers to the truth, in providing for them that preached the gospel. For truth, see on 2 Peter 1:12.
V. 9. {I wrote} To recommend these brethren to the churches which they were to pass by. Or, I would have written (for we have no such epistle) and then he means that he was discouraged from writing, because he thought it in vain to write any more in that case, being opposed by Diotrophes.
{unto the church} Of Corinth, where Gaius was an eminent member.
{but Diotrephes} But I fear, or, I hear, Diotrephes hath refused to receive them. Others take it to be a common name applied to one there, that most eagerly and inordinately sought for superiority over other ministers and Christians. So boasting and arrogant men of old were called Διοτρεφὴς: nourished by Jupiter. So Homer brings in one speaking of an arrogant man: “He is envied most by me of all the kings nourished by Jupiter.”
{who loveth to have the preeminence} It seems he was pastor there, and would not let strange ministers be received, lest he should be slighted; and not be accounted highest and most excellent in that church.
{receiveth us not} Does not acknowledge our authority, by receiving our epistle. Or, does not receive me, and such as I am; as verse 10.
V. 10. {I will remember} Greek: I will make mention of. I will speak of them publicly there, to his disgrace.
{prating} Gr. talking foolishly, or vainly.
{against us} Against me John, as verse 9. See on verse 12. Or, me, and them I sent.
{and not content therewith} As if he were not satisfied with disgracing my person, he refuses and harshly treats such as are sent by me. For word, see on 2 Peter 1:19.
{and not content therewith} Being yet more mad and impious (Acts 26:11).
{receive the brethren} He should have entertained them kindly, because he professes himself a brother to them, as being one of the same religion. See on verse 5. For brother, see on 2 Peter 1:10.
{forbiddeth them that would} This shows great malice against them. He will not let any receive them: neither you, Gaius, nor others.
{and casteth them out of the church} Refuses communion with these strangers, or those that received them (John 9:34). No doubt this was a great discouragement to Gaius, from his pastor; yet he obeys the apostle, who had more power over him (verse 5). He excommunicates them if they do not obey his prohibition. For church, see on verse 6.
V. 11. {Follow not} Greek: Imitate not. For those who follow, go the same way. And, to walk after God’s precepts, or according to them, in Scripture-phrase is all one.
{that which is evil, but that which is good} Not the evil example of Diotrephes (verses 9-10) but the good example of Demetrius (verse 12, Romans 12:9). Or, do not imitate Diotrephes in any of his evil ways; but follow him nevertheless in anything that is good (Matthew 23:2). Ἀγαθόν signifies: (1) good (Romans 3:8), (2) profit (Romans 8:28), (3) virtue (1 Peter 3:13), and (4) Christian liberty (Romans 14:16) – here in the third sense.
{hath not seen God} By the eyes of faith. Has not known him to his good (1 John 4:8). For God cannot be seen (John 1:18, 1 John 4:20). It is likely that these proud excommunicators boasted of visions (as many erroneous persons do nowadays), but the apostle [points out to them] the lie.
V. 12. {Demetrius hath good report of all men} Of most men, yea, of heathen also (1 Timothy 3:7), because they got good by him, or heard him much commended by others. Or, of all the brethren that live in those parts, and would have of all others, if they knew him. Either he was a good minister, and worthy to be entertained by Gaius, or a neighbor to be commended for and imitated in entertaining strangers. It is probable that this good report arose upon his hospitality in receiving strangers, both preachers, and other Christians (verse 5).
{and of the truth itself} From his actions (John 3:21, Proverbs 31:31). Or, of God, who is the truth itself (1 John 5:6). Or, he is to be commended indeed, not for the speech of the people only, which sometimes proves untrue.
{yea, and we also bear record} I John do it, as verse 9. Or, we have found him kind to us, and do acknowledge it, as verse 6. This also might comfort Demetrius against Diotrephes, who took a contrary course. See on verse 5.
{and ye know} John 19:35 and 21:24.
{that our record is true} That we use not to flatter, but to speak truly (John 21:24). Therefore imitate him, and not Diotrephes. Κάλαμος signifies (1) a reed (Matthew 12:20), and (2) a pen, as here [in the verse following], for pens were of old time made of reeds.
V. 13. {I have many things to write, etc.} See on 2 John 12.
V. 14. {But I trust, etc.} See on 2 John 12.
{And then we shall speak} στόμα
{face to face} Greek: mouth to mouth. See on 2 John 12.
{peace be to thee} John 20:19, 21, 26. See on 2 John 10.
{our friends} The faithful Christians with me here, who love both me and you.
{salute thee} Wish you all happiness.
{greet the friends} Our Christian brethren which are with you; so called, because of their great affection they bear one to another, Tit. 3:15. Natural brethren may fail one another before Christian friends will, Prov. 18:24.
{by name} Severally. Either John knew all their names, or else they were as dear to him as those friends whom he knew by name (Exodus 33:12). Thus he shows not a vulgar or common, but a peculiar, paternal, pastoral love unto them. The Italian translation reads: one by one. Not all in general, but every one in particular, and by name (John 10:3).