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Note: The text used for my commentary is my own paraphrase and must not be considered a “translation” or authorative in any
way. It is, in fact, simply my commentary. A paraphrase is often the only comment necessary
to explain (expound, exposit) a particular passage.
GILL’S INTRODUCTION TO 3 JOHN*
Exposition of the Entire Bible by John Gill [1746-63]
This epistle was written by the Apostle John, who calls himself an "elder", as in the preceding, and is inscribed to a friend of his, whom he mentions by name, and expresses a very great affection for, on account of his steady adherence to the truths of the Gospel, 3 John 1:1; he wishes him bodily health equal to that prosperity of soul he was indulged with, 3 John 1:2; congratulates him upon the testimony the brethren that came from him gave him of the truth being in him, and of his walking in it, and upon hearing that his children also trod in the same path, 3 John 1:3; commends him for his hospitality and charity, of which testimonies were given before the church; and encourages him to go on doing the same acts of beneficence, since it was to such persons that went forth for the sake of Christ, and preaching in his name, and had nothing of the Gentiles for so doing; wherefore they ought to be received, and entertained by those of ability, that they might be fellow helpers to the truth with them, 3 John 1:5. He complains of Diotrephes as a proud, haughty, and overbearing man in the church, where Gaius was a member, who would neither receive the letters the apostle sent, nor the brethren that came with them; nay, forbid them that would, and cast them out of the church for it, and prated against them with malicious words, whom he threatens to remember when he himself should come thither, 3 John 1:9; wherefore he exhorts Gaius not to follow such an ill example, but that which is good in any person; since he that does good appears to be of God, and he that does evil, it looks as if he had never known him, 3 John 1:11. And particularly he recommends Demetrius, who had a good report of all men, and of the truth itself, and had a testimony from the apostle, and those that were with him, which was known to be a true one, 3 John 1:12. But though he had many things to say, both of one, and of the other, he determines to write no more at present, hoping he should shortly see him, and personally converse together; and closes the epistle with his own good wish, and with mutual salutations of friends, 3 John 1:13.
Outline
1. A Greeting from the Elder (1:1–4)
2. Gaius Commended for Hospitality: Love One Another (1:5–8)
3. Diotrephes and Demetrius: Beware Deceivers (1:9–11)
a. Diotrephes the Slanderer (1:9–11)
b. Demetrius the True (1:12)
4. Conclusion (1:13–14)
1. A Greeting from the Elder (1:1–4)
To: Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2 My dear friends, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
2. Gaius Commended for Hospitality: Love One Another (1:5–8)
5 Friends, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, 7 because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
3. Diotrephes and Demetrius: Beware Deceivers (1:9–11)
a. Diotrephes the Slanderer (1:9–11)
9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
11 Friends, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.
b. Demetrius the True (1:12)
12 Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
4. Conclusion (1:13–14)
13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; 14 but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.
Shalom[GN] be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Hitgalut
(The Revelation of Yeshua)
* Comments and outline courtesy of Berean Bible. Used under license. [BACK]
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ANXIOUSLY WATCHING FOR MASHIACH’S RETURN,
SPEEDILY AND IN OUR DAY. MARANA, TA!
