From the elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
Dear
friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be as physically healthy as you are spiritually healthy.
For I was delighted when the brothers arrived and testified about your
commitment to the truth, how you continue to live in the truth.
I have no
greater joy than to hear that my children are living in the truth.
Dear friend, you show faithfulness in your service to the brothers, though they are strangers.
They have spoken to the church about
your love. You will do well to help them on their trip in a way worthy of
God,
because they are traveling for His name, and they accepted nothing
from unbelievers. 8 So we ought to support such people so that we become
co-workers together for the truth. 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be in first place, would not accept what we say.
10 If I come, I will call attention to what he is
doing — falsely accusing us with wicked words. As if that is not enough, he not
only does not welcome the brothers himself, but he prevents those
who want to welcome them and throws them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but imitate what is good. The person
who does what is good is of God; the person who does what is evil has not seen God.
[1552] 12 Demetrius has a good report from everyone, and from the truth itself. We
also testify to him, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to do it with pen
and ink. 14 I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face. 15 Peace be with you. The friends here greet you. Greet the friends there by
name.
Commentary
3 John
[1551]
“Name” means everything God stands for, his Gospel, his character and teaching.
[1552]
“Not seen God” means here that they have not understood God, a mental “seeing.”
3 John