1.
The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Verse 1
Gaius. Several persons of the name of Gaius are mentioned--one of Macedonia, (Acts 19:29,) one of Derbe, (Acts 20:4,) and one of Corinth, (1 Corinthians 1:14,) which last is the same, probably, with the one whom Paul mentions as his host at Corinth. (Romans 16:23.) There is no evidence in respect to the identity of either of these with the one to whom this Epistle is addressed.
2.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
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:
Verse 6
Before the church; that is, as it would seem, before the church over which John presided, which is generally supposed to have been the church at Ephesus.
7.
Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
Verse 7
Taking nothing of the Gentiles. This expression indicates that the persons referred to were preachers of the gospel who went forth to the Gentiles, but who wished to depend for support upon their Christian brethren.
8.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
9.
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
Verse 9
Unto the church; to the church where Gaius resided.--Receiveth us not; did not regard the instructions which John had given; perhaps intercepted and suppressed the letter.
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 them out of the church.
Verse 10
Casteth them out of the church, excludes them from the friendly aid and hospitality 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.
12.
Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Verse 12
Demetrius; named, apparently, as one of the brethren above referred to.
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 be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.