I. _Address and Expression of Goodwill._ 3 John 1:1-2. Three men called Gaius, the Latin Caius, are mentioned by St. Paul, and one of them with the same acknowledgment of his large hospitality; but these lived in an earlier generation. Nothing is said as to his holding any office; he is beloved onl... [ Continue Reading ]
II. _Substance of the Letter._ The substance of the letter is, first, a tribute to the character and work of Gaius, especially his hospitality to Christ's servants, with exhortation to continue this fidelity; then follows the special offence of Diotrephes, the contrast of his conduct with that of D... [ Continue Reading ]
3 John 1:3-4. The commendation of Gaius is first general: the apostle rejoices greatly to hear from brethren testimony to his interior religion, UNTO THY TRUTH, as it was openly shown, EVEN AS THOU WALKEST IN TRUTH. The apostle has no greater joy than TO HEAR THAT MY CHILDREN the members of the Chri... [ Continue Reading ]
3 John 1:5-8. THOU DOEST A FAITHFUL WORK: the labour of Gaius' love is said to be faithful, as corresponding with the commandment of love and true to it. TOWARDS THE BRETHREN, AND MOREOVER STRANGERS: not both brethren and strangers, but, as the sequel shows, brethren who came from abroad. ‘Thou do... [ Continue Reading ]
3 John 1:9. I WROTE SOMEWHAT TO THE CHURCH: not meaning either important or unimportant, but touching the maintenance of the evangelists; this communication, probably intercepted by Diotrephes, is lost or superseded by the present Epistle. BUT DIOTREPHES, WHO LOVETH TO HAVE THE PRE-EMINENCE AMONG... [ Continue Reading ]
3 John 1:10. We mark here the same tone of faithful sternness which pervades the two other Epistles: in these, however, as against those who assailed the truth, in this against one who invades the order of the church. It is more than probable that Diotrephes was of the Judaizing faction which strove... [ Continue Reading ]
3 John 1:11. BELOVED, IMITATE NOT THAT WHICH IS EVIL, BUT THAT WHICH IS GOOD: this is characteristic of St. John, to trace all conduct to its highest source. The spirit and acts of Diotrephes, and those like him, are not of GOD, not fruits of regeneration: HE THAT DOETH EVIL HATH NOT SEEN GOD, hath... [ Continue Reading ]
III. _Conclusion._ 3 John 1:13-14. We know not the issue of this Epistle. It was evidently written amidst circumstances which allowed no delay. Though the apostle would shortly visit the church of Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius, he sends this message for the present emergency. 3 John 1:15. PEACE... [ Continue Reading ]