THE THIRD EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE
St. John praises Gaius for his walking in truth and for his charity, complains of the bad conduct of Diotrephes and gives a good testimony to Demetrius.
3 John Chapter 1
1:1 The Ancient, to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
1:2 Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that thou mayest proceed prosperously and fare well, as thy soul doth prosperously.
1:3 I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony to the truth in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
1:4 I have no greater grace than this, to hear that my children walk in truth.
No greater grace. . .that is nothing that gives me greater joy and satisfaction.
1:5 Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren: and that for strangers,
1:6 Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the church. Whom thou shalt do well to bring forward on their way in a manner worthy of God:
1:7 Because, for his name they went out, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
Taking nothing of the Gentiles. . .These ministers of the gospel are commended by St. John, who took nothing from the Gentiles, lest they should seem to preach in order to get money by t.
1:8 We therefore ought to receive such: that we may be fellow helpers of the truth.
1:9 I had written perhaps to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, doth not receive us.
Diotrephes who loveth. . .This man seemeth to be in power, but not a friend to the faithful; therefore this part of the letter might be an admonition to him from the apostle.
1:11 Dearly beloved, follow not that which is evil: but that which is good. He that doth good is of God: he that doth evil hath not seen God.
1:12 To Demetrius, testimony is given by all, and by the truth itself: yea and we also give testimony. And thou knowest that our testimony is true.
1:13 I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and pen write to thee.
1:14 But I hope speedily to see thee: and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.