<pclass="intro"id="iiiJo.ii-p1">In this epistle the apostle congratulates Gaius
upon the prosperity of his soul (<scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p1.1"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.1-3John.1.2"parsed="|3John|1|1|1|2"passage="3Jo 1:1,2">ver.
1, 2</scripRef>), upon the fame he had among good Christians
(<scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p1.2"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.3-3John.1.4"parsed="|3John|1|3|1|4"passage="3Jo 1:3,4">ver. 3, 4</scripRef>), and upon his
charity and hospitality to the servants of Christ, <scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p1.3"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.5-3John.1.6"parsed="|3John|1|5|1|6"passage="3Jo 1:5,6">ver. 5, 6</scripRef>. He complains of
contemptuous treatment by an ambitious Diotrephes, (<scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p1.4"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.9-3John.1.10"parsed="|3John|1|9|1|10"passage="3Jo 1:9,10">ver. 9, 10</scripRef>), recommends Demetrius,
(<scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p1.5"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.12"parsed="|3John|1|12|0|0"passage="3Jo 1:12">ver. 12</scripRef>), and expresses
his hope of visiting Gaius shortly, <scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p1.6"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.13-3John.1.14"parsed="|3John|1|13|1|14"passage="3Jo 1:13,14">ver. 13, 14</scripRef>.</p>
<h4id="iiiJo.ii-p5.2">The Character of Gaius. (<spanclass="smallcaps"id="iiiJo.ii-p5.3">a.
d.</span>90.)</h4>
<pclass="passage"id="iiiJo.ii-p6">3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came
and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in
the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my
children walk in truth. 5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully
whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6
Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if
thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt
do well: 7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth,
taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to
receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p7">In these verses we have,</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p8">I. The good report that the apostle had
received concerning this friend of his: <i>The brethren came and
testified of the truth that is in thee</i> (<scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p8.1"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.3"parsed="|3John|1|3|0|0"passage="3Jo 1:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), <i>who have borne witness of thy
charity before the church,</i><scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p8.2"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.6"parsed="|3John|1|6|0|0"passage="3Jo 1:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. Here we may see, 1. The testimony
or thing testified concerning Gaius—the truth that was in him, the
reality of his faith, the sincerity of his religion, and his
devotedness to God; and this evinced by his charity, which includes
his love to the brethren, kindness to the poor, hospitality to
Christian strangers, and readiness to accommodate them for the
service of the gospel. Faith should work by love; it gives a lustre
in and by the offices of love, and induces others to commend its
integrity. 2. The witnesses-brethren that came from Gaius testified
and bore witness. A good report is due from those who have received
good; though a good name is but a small reward for costly service,
yet it is <i>better than precious ointment,</i> and will not be
refused by the ingenuous and religious. 3. The auditory or
judicatory before which the report and testimony were
given—<i>before the church.</i> This seems to be the church at
which the apostle now resided. What church this was we are not
sure; what occasion they had thus to testify his faith and love
before the church we cannot tell; possibly out of the fulness of
the heart the mouth spoke; they could not but testify what they
found and felt; possibly they would engage the church's prayer for
the continued life and usefulness of such a patron, that he might
<i>prosper and be in health as his soul prospered.</i></p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p9">II. The report the apostle himself gives of
him, introduced by an endearing appellation again: <i>Beloved, thou
doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to
1. He was hospitable, good to the brethren, even to strangers; it
was enough to recommend them to Gaius's house that they belonged to
Christ. Or he was good to <i>the brethren</i> of the same church
with himself, and to those who came from far; all who were of the
household of faith were welcome to him. 2. He seems to have been of
a catholic spirit; he could overlook the petty differences among
serious Christians, and be communicative to all who bore the image
and did the work of Christ. And, 3. He was conscientious in what he
did: "<i>Thou doest faithfully</i> (thou makest faithful work of)
<i>whatsoever thou doest;</i> thou doest it as a faithful servant,
and from the Lord Christ mayest thou expect the reward of the
inheritance." Such faithful souls can hear their own praises
without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in us is
designed, not for our pride, but for our encouragement to continue
therein, and should be accordingly improved.</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p10">III. The apostle's joy therein, in the good
report itself, and the good ground of it: <i>I rejoiced greatly
when the brethren came and testified,</i>&c., <scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p10.1"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.3"parsed="|3John|1|3|0|0"passage="3Jo 1:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. <i>I have no greater joy
than to hear that my children walk in the truth,</i> in the
prescripts of the Christian religion. The best evidence of our
having the truth is our <i>walking in the truth.</i> Good men will
greatly rejoice in the soul-prosperity of others; and they are glad
to hear of the grace and goodness of others. <i>They glorified God
in me.</i> Love envieth not, but rejoiceth in the good name of
other folks. As it is joy to good parents, it will be joy to good
ministers, to see their children evidence their sincerity in
religion, and adorn their profession.</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p11">IV. The direction the apostle gives his
friend concerning further treatment of the brethren that were with
him: <i>Whom if thou bring forward on their journey, after a godly
sort, thou shalt do well.</i> It seems to have been customary in
those days of love to attend travelling ministers and Christians,
at least some part of their road, <scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p11.1"osisRef="Bible:1Cor.16.6"parsed="|1Cor|16|6|0|0"passage="1Co 16:6">1
Cor. xvi. 6</scripRef>. It is a kindness to a stranger to be guided
in his way, and a pleasure to travellers to meet with suitable
company: this is a work that may be done <i>after a godly sort,</i>
in a manner worthy of God, or suitable to the deference and
relation we bear to God. Christians should consider not only what
they must do, but what they may do, what they may most honourably
and laudably do: <i>the liberal mind deviseth liberal</i> generous
<i>things.</i> Christians should do even the common actions of life
and of good-will after a godly sort, as serving God therein, and
designing his glory.</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p12">V. The reasons of this directed conduct;
these are two:—1. <i>Because that for his name's sake these
brethren went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.</i> It appears
thus that these were ministerial brethren, that they went forth to
preach the gospel and propagate Christianity; possibly they might
be sent out by this apostle himself: they went forth to convert the
Gentiles; this was excellent service: they went forth for God and
his name's sake; this is the minister's highest end, and should be
his principal spring and motive, to gather and to build up a people
for his name: they went forth also to carry a free gospel about
with them, to publish it without charge wherever they came:
<i>Taking nothing of the Gentiles.</i> These were worthy of double
honour. There are those who are not called to preach the gospel
themselves who may yet contribute to the progress of it. The gospel
should be made without charge to those to whom it is first
preached. Those who know it not cannot be expected to value it;
churches and Christian patriots ought to concur to support the
propagation of holy religion in the pagan countries; public spirits
should concur according to their several capacities; those who are
freely communicative of Christ's gospel should be assisted by those
who are communicative of their purses. 2. <i>We ought therefore to
receive such, that we may be fellow-helpers to the truth,</i> to
true religion. The institution of Christ is the true religion; it
has been attested by God. Those that are true in it and true to it
will earnestly desire, and pray for, and contribute to, its
propagation in the world. In many ways may the truth be befriended
and assisted; those who cannot themselves proclaim it may yet
receive, accompany, help, and countenance those who do.</p>
<h4id="iiiJo.ii-p12.2">The Character of Diotrephes. (<spanclass="smallcaps"id="iiiJo.ii-p12.3">a.
d.</span>90.)</h4>
<pclass="passage"id="iiiJo.ii-p13">9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who
loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth,
prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith,
neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them
that would, and casteth <i>them</i> out of the church. 11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He
that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen
God.</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p14">I. Here is a very different example and
character, an officer, a minister in the church, less generous,
catholic, and communicative than the private Christians. Ministers
may sometimes be out-shone, out-done. In reference to this
minister, we see,</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p15">1. His name—a Gentile name:
<i>Diotrephes,</i> attended with an unchristian spirit.</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p16">2. His temper and spirit—full of pride and
ambition: <i>He loves to have the pre-eminence.</i> This ferment
sprang and wrought betimes. It is an ill unbeseeming character of
Christ's ministers to love pre-eminence, to affect presidency in
the church of God.</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p17">3. His contempt of the apostle's authority,
and letter, and friends. (1.) Of his authority: <i>The deeds which
he doeth</i> contrary to our appointment, <i>prating against us
with malicious words.</i> Strange that the contempt should run so
high! But ambition will breed malice against those who oppose it.
Malice and ill-will in the heart will be apt to vent themselves by
the lips. The heart and mouth are both to be watched. (2.) Of his
letter: "<i>I wrote to the church</i> (<scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p17.1"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.9"parsed="|3John|1|9|0|0"passage="3Jo 1:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>), namely, in recommendation of
such and such brethren. <i>But Diotrephes receiveth us not,</i>
admits not our letter and testimony therein." This seems to be the
church of which Gaius was a member. A gospel church seems to be
such a society as to which a letter may be written and
communicated. Gospel churches may well expect and be allowed
credentials with the strangers who desire to be admitted among
them. The apostle seems to write by and with these brethren. To an
ambitious aspiring spirit apostolical authority or epistle
signifies but little. (3.) Of his friends, the brethren he
recommended: <i>Neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and
forbiddeth those that would, and casteth them out of the
<pclass="passage"id="iiiJo.ii-p20">12 Demetrius hath good report of all <i>men,</i>
and of the truth itself: yea, and we <i>also</i> bear record; and
ye know that our record is true. 13 I had many things to
write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 14
But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to
face. Peace <i>be</i> to thee. <i>Our</i> friends salute thee.
Greet the friends by name.</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p21">Here we have, I. The character of another
person, one <i>Demetrius,</i> not much known otherwise. But here
his name will live. A name in the gospel, a fame in the churches,
is better than that of sons and daughters. His character was his
commendation. His commendation was, 1. General: <i>Demetrius has a
good report of all men.</i> Few are well spoken of by all; and
sometimes it is ill to be so. But universal integrity and goodness
are the way to (and sometimes obtain) universal applause. 2.
Deserved and well founded: <i>And of the truth itself,</i>
<scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p21.1"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.12"parsed="|3John|1|12|0|0"passage="3Jo 1:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. Some have a
good report, but not of the truth itself. Happy are those whose
spirit and conduct commend them before God and men. 3. Confirmed by
the apostle's and his friends' testimony: <i>Yea, and we also bear
record;</i> and that with an appeal to Gaius's own knowledge:
<i>And you</i> (you and your friends) <i>know that our record is
true.</i> Probably this Demetrius was known to the church where the
apostle now resided, and to that where Gaius was. It is good to be
well known, or known for good. We must be ready to bear our
testimony to those who are good: it is well for those who are
commended when those who commend them can appeal to the consciences
of those who know them most.</p>
<pclass="indent"id="iiiJo.ii-p22">II. The conclusion of the epistle, in which
we may observe, 1. The referring of some things to personal
interview: <i>I have many things to write, but I will not with ink
and pen, but I trust I shall shortly see thee,</i><scripRefid="iiiJo.ii-p22.1"osisRef="Bible:3John.1.13-3John.1.14"parsed="|3John|1|13|1|14"passage="3Jo 1:13,14"><i>v.</i> 13, 14</scripRef>. Many things may
be more proper for immediate communication than for letter. A
little personal conference may spare the time, trouble, and charge,
of many letters; and good Christians may well be glad to see one
another. 2. The benediction: <i>Peace be to you;</i> all felicity
attend you. Those that are good and happy themselves wish others so
too. 3. The public salutation sent to Gaius: <i>Our friends salute
thee.</i> A friend to the propagation of religion deserves a common
remembrance. And these pious persons show their friendship to
religion as well as to Gaius. 4. The apostle's particular
salutation of the Christians in Gaius's church or vicinity:
<i>Greet thy friends by name.</i> I doubt they were not very many
who must be so personally saluted. But we must learn humility as
well as love. The lowest in the church of Christ should be greeted.
And those may well salute and greet one another on earth who hope
to live together in heaven. And the apostle who had lain in
Christ's bosom lays Christ's friends in his heart.</p>
