3 John 1

1

The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

2

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

3

For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

4

I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 4. No greater grace. That is, nothing that gives me greater joy and satisfaction. Challoner.

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5

Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

6

They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,

7

because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 7. Taking nothing of the Gentiles. These ministers and preachers of the gospel, whom Saint John recommends, took care, as Saint Paul did, not to take any thing of the Gentiles, to whom they preached, lest they should be thought to preach to get money by it. But he puts Gaius in mind, that by assisting such men, he would become a fellow labourer in the gospel, and have a share in their reward. Witham.

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8

We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

9

I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 9–10. Diotrephes … doth not receive us, nor those we recommend, but prattles and talks against me. We know no more of this man, nor of Demetrius, of whom Saint John gives so favourable a character. Witham.—It seemeth, saith Ven. Bede, that he was an arch heretic, or proud sect master—υπομνησω. I will rebuke them, and make them known to be wicked. Bede.

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10

Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 9–10. Diotrephes … doth not receive us, nor those we recommend, but prattles and talks against me. We know no more of this man, nor of Demetrius, of whom Saint John gives so favourable a character. Witham.—It seemeth, saith Ven. Bede, that he was an arch heretic, or proud sect master—υπομνησω. I will rebuke them, and make them known to be wicked. Bede.

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11

Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.

12

Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

13

I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

14

but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 14. This was a very usual salutation among the Jews, by which they wished every possible blessing might come upon their friends they thus saluted. Menochius.

JUDE

THE

CATHOLIC EPISTLE OF S. JUDE,

THE APOSTLE

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