1.
The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
(1) The elder.—See the Introduction, and 2 John 1:1.
Gaius.—The common Roman name Caius. A Caius is mentioned in Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14. The difference in date between these and St. John’s correspondent would alone be sufficient reason against any attempt at identification. There is nothing to show whether he was a presbyter or not.
Whom I love in the truth.—Or, in truth. (See 2 John 1:1.)
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:
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.
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 them 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.
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.
13.
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
(3) (13) I had many things to write.—Rather, There were many things which I wished to write.
But I will not.—Comp. 2 John 1:12.
(14) Peace be to thee.—The best wish which the Apostle can form, instead of the usual Greek ending, “Be strong,” or “Farewell!” It was our Lord’s resurrection greeting; the internal peace of a good conscience, the external peace of universal friendship, the heavenly peace of future glory begun even in this life. (Comp. John 20:19; John 20:26; Rom. 5:33; Galatians 6:16; Ephesians 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; 1 Peter 5:14.)
Our friends salute thee.—Rather, The friends. By this appellation, uncommon in the New Testament, St. John recalls our Lord’s words in John 15:13-15.
Greet the friends by name.—Each friend was to receive a personal message from the Apostle, and Caius would know who they were as well as if St. John wrote them down. In a short private Letter it would be unsuitable to have a long list of special messages as in a Pauline Epistle, especially as the Apostle hoped shortly to see them. John perhaps thinks of his Master’s ideal in John 10:3.
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.