This Gaius was well known by the apostle, not only to be a stedfast professor of the truly Christian, uncorrupted faith, (which is implied in his avowing his love to him in the truth, or upon the Christian account), but to be so improved and well-grown a Christian, that he reckons he might well make the prosperous state of his soul the measure of all the other prosperity he could wish unto him. read more
PERSONAL CONFIDENCES AND KINDLY WARNINGSCRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES3 John 1:1. The elder.—It cannot be decided whether this was a recognised official title, or an allusion by St. John to his great age. The fact that St. Peter calls himself “a fellow-presbyter” (1 Peter 5:1) favours the idea that the title is official; and the Jewish Christian communities were likely to call their officials “elders,” after the pattern of the synagogue elders. Gaius.—Or Caius. This man cannot be confidently... read more
3 John 1:2 Spiritual Prosperity. I. Of what, in the language of the world, is commonly designated prosperity, perhaps the two main elements are wealth and power. There is a wealth, a power, of the soul. (1) There is, in no exclusively metaphorical sense, a riches of the soul. Money, property, worldly goods, are not more real possessions than thought, knowledge, wisdom. Nor are the outward comforts and luxuries, the gratifications of sense and appetite, that may be procured by the former, more... read more
-3 JohnSo the third epistle of John is now again, John addresses himself asThe elder [the presbyturos] unto the wellbeloved Gaius ( 3 John 1:1 ),Probably not the Gaius mentioned in Paul's epistle to the Corinthians where he was in Corinth, and it would appear that these letters were written to those in the area of Ephesus.whom I love in the truth. Beloved ( 3 John 1:1-2 ),And he's talking to Gaius.I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth ( 3... read more
3 John 1:2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.“Gaius the beloved”I. Deprivation. Gaius was deprived of physical health. John’s prayer for him implies that his affliction was severe, that it was not a mere passing ailment. For the present affliction is not “joyous,” but “grievous “; and pain is felt as keenly by the sensitive nerves of the pious as by the most abandoned of mankind. And there is an element in affliction that... read more
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Ver. 2. That thou mayest prosper ] Gr. ευοδουσθαι , that thou mayest make a good voyage of it, and come safe and sound to thy journey’s end. Even as thy soul prospereth ] By the blessing of him that dwelt in the bush, Deuteronomy 33:16 . Now the soul prospereth when it hath close communion with God, and enjoys the light of his loving countenance, preferring his favour before the world’s... read more
wish: or, pray above: James 5:12, 1 Peter 4:8 that: Psalms 20:1-Deuteronomy :, Philippians 2:4, Philippians 2:27 even: 3 John 1:3-Joshua :, Colossians 1:4-Joshua :, 1 Thessalonians 1:3-2 Samuel :, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Thessalonians 2:14, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 1 Thessalonians 2:20, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-1 Samuel :, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Philemon 1:5-Judges :, 2 Peter 1:3-1 Samuel :, 2 Peter 3:18, Revelation 2:9 Reciprocal: Psalms 119:40 - quicken 2 Corinthians 7:6 -... read more
2. Beloved Commencing the real matter of the epistle with a direct address. Above all things Rather, in all respects. Prosper Literal Greek, be in a good way. Health So that estate, body, and soul, should all prosper alike. It is a happy fact when the soul is the standard of the prosperity, and the other prosperities are measured up to it. read more
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Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - 3 John 1:2-8
3 John 1:2-Ruth : . Commendation of Gaius.— John expresses his delight at the witness borne to the moral integrity of Gaius by some who had visited the apostle. He prays that Gaius may have prosperity and health commensurate with his spiritual wellbeing. Gaius is also commended for the hospitality which he is known to give to evangelists who travelled in the interests of the Gospel. To entertain such men and set them on their way in a worthy fashion was gracious service to the truth. 3 John... read more