3 John 1:1–14

Matthew Henry. In this epistle the apostle congratulates Gaius upon the prosperity of his soul (Jo3 1:1, Jo3 1:2), upon the fame he had among good Christians (Jo3 1:3, Jo3 1:4), and upon his charity and hospitality to the servants of Christ (Jo3 1:5, Jo3 1:6). John expresses his love for him "in the truth," for walking in truth, which shows true love rooted in the gospel. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing, often housed in a fragile body, but the desire for both spiritual and physical well-being is evident. The recipient is Gaius, a well-beloved individual, possibly the same Gaius mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:23. The sacred penman writes and sends the letter, referred to as "The elder," meaning by years and office, deserving honor. The brethren went forth preaching for God's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. Gaius’s love for the brethren and hospitality to strangers proves his sincerity in the faith. John cautions against following Diotrephes’ evil example and encourages believers to imitate what is good, for those who do good are of God, while those who do evil have not seen God. He also sends greetings from mutual friends and instructs Gaius to greet their friends by name, indicating a personal connection. John closes the letter expressing a desire to see Gaius soon and wishing him peace. Demetrius, on the other hand, has a good report from all and of the truth itself. John and others also bear witness to his character, and Gaius can trust this testimony.

Jamieson–Fausset–Brown. Of course, since his soul's prosperity is presupposed, "above all things" does not imply that John wishes Gaius' bodily health above that of his soul, but as the first object to be desired next after spiritual health. testified of the truth that is in thee--Greek, "of" (or 'to') thy truth": thy share of that truth in which thou walkest [ALFORD]. even as thou--in contrast to Diotrephes (Jo3 1:9). So Mat 26:10, "She hath wrought a good work upon me." and to strangers--The oldest manuscripts, "and that (that is, and those brethren) strangers." The fact of the brethren whom thou didst entertain being "strangers," enhances the love manifested in the act. The brethren so entertained by Gaius were missionary evangelists (Jo3 1:7); and, probably, in the course of narrating their missionary labors for the edification of the Church where John then was, incidentally mentioned the loving hospitality shown them by Gaius. bring forward on their journey--"If thou (continue to) forward on their journey" by giving them provisions for the way. after a godly sort--Greek, "in a manner worthy of God," whose ambassadors they are, and whose servant thou art. his name's sake--Christ's. went forth--as missionaries. taking nothing--refusing to receive aught by way of pay, or maintenance, though justly entitled to it, as Paul at Corinth and at Thessalonica. We--in contradistinction to "the Gentiles" or "heathen" referred to, Jo3 1:7. therefore--as they take nothing from the Gentiles or heathen. receive--The oldest manuscripts read, "take up." As they "take" nothing from the Gentiles, we ought to take them up so as to support them. fellow helpers--with them. to the truth--that is, to promote the truth. Evidently occupying a high place in the Church where Gaius was (Jo3 1:10). among them--over the members of the Church. receiveth us not--virtually, namely, by not receiving with love the brethren whom we recommended to be received (Jo3 1:8, Jo3 1:10; compare Mat 10:40). I wrote--The oldest manuscripts add "something": a communication, probably, on the subject of receiving the brethren with brotherly love (Jo3 1:8, Jo3 1:10). follow not that which is evil--as manifested in Diotrephes (Jo3 1:9-10). but . . . good--as manifested in Demetrius (Jo3 1:12). is of God--is born of God, who is good. hath not seen God--spiritually, not literally. Compare Joh 3:21 "He that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God." we also--besides the testimony of "all men," and "of the truth itself." ye know--The oldest manuscripts read, "thou knowest." of all men--who have had opportunity of knowing his character. of the truth itself--The Gospel standard of truth bears witness to him that he walks conformably to it, in acts of real love, hospitality to the brethren (in contrast to Diotrephes), &c. face to face--Greek, "mouth to mouth." Peace--peace inward of conscience, peace fraternal of friendship, peace supernal of glory [LYRA]. friends--a title seldom used in the New Testament, as it is absorbed in the higher titles of "brother, brethren." Still Christ recognizes the relation of friend also, based on the highest grounds, obedience to Him from love, and entailing the highest privileges, admission to the intimacy of the holy and glorious God, and sympathizing Saviour; so Christians have "friends" in Christ.