1  The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

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:

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.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Caius was probably that Caius of Corinth whom St. Paul mentions, (Romans 16:23) . If so, either he was removed from Achaia into Asia, or St. John sent this letter to Corinth.
McArther Bible Commentary
The Elder. John uses the same term for himself as he did in 2Jn 1:1. The term probably has reference to his age, his apostolic eyewitness status of Jesus' life, and also that he had an official position of authority in the church. the beloved. The term beloved is only used of Christians in the NT (Col 3:12; Phm 1:1-2; 2Pe 3:14; 1Jn 4:1). Gaius. Nothing is known of Gaius beyond the mention of his name in the salutation. The name was one of eighteen common names from which Roman parents usually chose a name for one of their sons, making any specific identification doubtful. John, his fellow believers, and even strangers to whom Gaius extended hospitality held him in great esteem for his Christian walk and conduct (3Jn 1:1-6). John conveyed his own appreciation for Gaius by calling him "beloved" four times in the letter (3Jn 1:1-2, 3Jn 1:5, 3Jn 1:11). He probably was a member of a church somewhere in Asia Minor that was under John's sphere of influence. The apostle planned to visit him sometime in the near future (3Jn 1:13). whom I love in truth. Because Christians have common knowledge of the truth, they have the common source of love (2Jn 1:1). While some have taken the phrase to mean simply "truly" or "really" (Mar 12:32; Joh 1:47), John's usage of this phrase elsewhere in these letters, where truth takes on such a significant meaning, suggests that the elder intended the kind of love that is consistent with the fundamental truths of the faith (cf. 3Jn 1:4; 1Jn 2:21; 1Jn 3:19).
Bible Cross References
Acts 11:30 Acts 19:29 Acts 20:4 Romans 16:23 1 Corinthians 1:14 1 Peter 5:1 1 John 3:18 2 John 1:1 3 John 1:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
McArther Bible Commentary
I pray. John's prayer for Gaius is significant. Gaius's spiritual state was so excellent that John prayed that his physical health would match his spiritual vigor. To ask about one's health was standard custom in ancient letters, but John adapted this convention in a unique manner to highlight Gaius's vibrant spiritual state.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:12 3 John 1:1 3 John 1:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For - I know thou usest all thy talents to his glory. The truth that is in thee - The true faith and love.
McArther Bible Commentary
when brethren came and testified. The phrase indicates that Christians continually praised Gaius's exemplary obedience to the fundamentals of the faith. His spiritual reputation was well known. you walk in the truth. Gaius's reputation for practicing what he preached was exemplary (2Jn 1:4). John's commendation of him is one of the greatest given in the NT, since the commendation centers not only on the fact that he knew the truth, but that he faithfully practiced it. Gaius's actions were in stark contrast to Diotrephes's negative reputation (3Jn 1:10).
Bible Cross References
Acts 1:15 1 Corinthians 13:6 Galatians 6:10 2 John 1:4 3 John 1:2 3 John 1:5 3 John 1:10

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I have no greater joy than this - Such is the spirit of every true Christian pastor. To hear that my children walk in the truth - Caius probably was converted by St. Paul. Therefore when St. John speaks of him. with other believers, as his children, it may be considered as the tender style of paternal love, whoever were the instruments of their conversion. And his using this appellation, when writing under the character of the elder, has its peculiar beauty.
McArther Bible Commentary
I have no greater joy. John's personal affection for Gaius radiated especially from his personal conduct (Luk 6:46). my children. The word my is emphatic in the original. John's heart delighted in the proper conduct of his spiritual children in the faith. Those who walk (conduct) in the truth (belief) have integrity; there is no dichotomy between what one professes and how one lives. John had strong fatherly affection for them (cf. 1Co 4:14-16; 1Th 2:11; 1Th 3:1-10).
Bible Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:14 2 Corinthians 6:13 Galatians 4:19 1 Thessalonians 2:11 1 Timothy 1:2 2 Timothy 1:2 Philemon 1:10 1 John 2:1 2 John 1:4

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Faithfully - Uprightly and sincerely.
McArther Bible Commentary
you do faithfully. Genuine faith always produces genuine good works (Jas 2:14-17). brethren and for strangers. Gaius practiced hospitality not only toward those whom he knew, but also to those whom he did not know. The reference concerns, especially, itinerant gospel preachers whom Gaius aided on their journeys.
Bible Cross References
Acts 1:15 Romans 12:13 Galatians 6:10 Hebrews 13:2 3 John 1:3 3 John 1:10

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Who have testified of thy love before the church - The congregation with whom I now reside. Whom if thou send forward on their journey - Supplied with what is needful. Thou shalt do well - How tenderly does the apostle enjoin this!
McArther Bible Commentary
who have borne witness of your love before the church. Gaius's reputation for hospitality and kindness (as well as obedience-3Jn 1:3) was also well known throughout the churches in the region. in a manner worthy of God. Cf. Col 1:10; 1Th 2:12. The phrase has the connotation of treating people as God would treat them (see Mat 10:40), and becomes the key manner in which hospitality should be practiced (Mat 25:40-45). you will do well. John encouraged Gaius to keep practicing hospitality, especially because of the actions of Diotrephes, who conducted a heavy-handed campaign against it (3Jn 1:10).
Bible Cross References
Acts 15:3 Colossians 1:10 1 Thessalonians 2:12 Titus 3:13

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
They went forth - To preach the gospel.
McArther Bible Commentary
John gives several grounds for practicing hospitality in a "manner worthy of God." First, one must show hospitality to those who have pure motives. These itinerant missionaries went out "for the sake of the name" (3Jn 1:7; cf. Rom 1:5). They must be doing their ministry for God's glory, not their own. Second, one must show hospitality to those who are not in ministry for money. Since the missionaries were "taking nothing from the Gentiles" (3Jn 1:7), the church was their only means of support. They were free from avarice (2Co 2:17; 1Ti 5:17-18). Third, those who show hospitality participate in the ministries of those to whom hospitality is shown (3Jn 1:8). Verse 3Jn 1:8 gives the same reason to demonstrate hospitality to genuine teachers, as does 2Jn 1:10, in forbidding hospitality toward false teachers, i.e., that those who extend hospitality share in the deeds (i.e., good or bad) of those receiving it.
Bible Cross References
John 15:21 Acts 5:41 Acts 20:33 Acts 20:35 Philippians 2:9 3 John 1:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
To receive - With all kindness. The truth - Which they preach.
Bible Cross References
3 John 1:7 3 John 1:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit; but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character.
Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I wrote to the church - Probably that to which they came. But Diotrephes - Perhaps the pastor of it. Who loveth to have the preeminence among them - To govern all things according to his own will. Receiveth us not - Neither them nor me. So did the mystery of iniquity already work!
McArther Bible Commentary
I wrote to the church. John apparently had written a previous letter to the church, perhaps on the subject of hospitality, but it was lost. Perhaps, Diotrephes never read it to the church because he rejected John's authority (cf. 3Jn 1:9-10). Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence. In the second part of his epistle, John condemned the violation of hospitality toward faithful ministers of the Word. The word preeminence has the idea of "desiring to be first." It conveys the idea of someone who is selfish, self-centered, and self-seeking. The language suggests a self-promoting demagogue, who served no one, but wanted all to serve only him. Diotrephes's actions directly contradict Jesus' and the NT's teaching on servant-leadership in the church (cf. Mat 20:20-28; Php 2:5-11; 1Ti 3:3; 1Pe 5:3). does not receive us. Diotrephes modeled the opposite of kindness and hospitality to God's servants, even denying John's apostolic authority over the local congregation and, as a result, denying the revelation of God that came through that authority. His pride endeavored to supplant the rule of Christ through John in the church. Diotrephes's character was the very opposite of the gentle and loving Gaius, who readily showed hospitality.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 7:8 Colossians 1:18 2 John 1:9 3 John 1:8

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit; but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character.
Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He prateth against us - Both them and me, thereby endeavouring to excuse himself.
McArther Bible Commentary
if I come, I will call to mind his deeds. John's apostolic authority meant that Diotrephes had to answer for his behavior. The apostle did not overlook this usurping of Christ's place in the church. Verse 3Jn 1:10 indicates that Diotrephes was guilty of four things: (1) "prating against us." The word prating comes from a word meaning "to bubble up" and has the idea of useless, empty jabber (i.e., talking nonsense). The charges against John were completely unjustified; (2) "with malicious words." Not only were Diotrephes's charges false, they were evil; (3) "does not receive the brethren." He not only slandered John, but also deliberately defied other believers; and (4) "putting them out of the church." The original language indicates that Diotrephes' habit was to excommunicate those who resisted his authority. does not receive the brethren. To accept John's authority (3Jn 1:9), as well as being hospitable to the traveling ministers, directly threatened the authority that Diotrephes coveted.
Bible Cross References
John 9:34 John 9:35 Acts 1:15 Galatians 6:10 1 Timothy 5:13 2 John 1:10 2 John 1:12 3 John 1:3 3 John 1:5

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit; but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character.
Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Follow not that which is evil - In Diotrephes. But that which is good - In Demetrius. He hath not seen God - Is a stranger to him.
McArther Bible Commentary
do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The verse begins the introduction to the commendation of Demetrius in verse 3Jn 1:12. Gaius was to imitate Demetrius as the correct role model for his actions. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. John's statement indicates that Diotrephes's actions proved that he was never a Christian. This is a practical application of the moral test (see notes on 1Jn 5:2-3).
Bible Cross References
Psalm 34:14 Psalm 37:27 1 John 2:29 1 John 3:6 1 John 3:9 1 John 3:10 1 John 4:1

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit; but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character.
Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And from the truth itself - That is, what they testify is the very truth. Yea, we also bear testimony - I and they that are with me.
McArther Bible Commentary
Demetrius. As with Gaius, Demetrius was a very common name in the Roman world (Act 19:24, Act 19:38). Nothing is known of him apart from this epistle. He may have delivered this letter, which also would serve to commend him to Gaius. has a good testimony from all. Like Gaius, Demetrius's reputation was well known in the region. from the truth itself. Demetrius was an excellent role model preeminently because he practiced the truth of God's Word in his life.
Bible Cross References
John 19:35 John 21:24 Acts 6:3 1 Timothy 3:7

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He hopes soon to see Gaius.
Here is the character of Demetrius. A name in the gospel, or a good report in the churches, is better than worldly honour. Few are well spoken of by all; and sometimes it is ill to be so. Happy those whose spirit and conduct commend them before God and men. We must be ready to bear our testimony to them; and it is well when those who commend, can appeal to the consciences of such as know most of those who are commended. A personal conversation together often spares time and trouble, and mistakes which rise from letters; and good Christians may well be glad to see one another. The blessing is, Peace be to you; all happiness attend you. Those may well salute and greet one another on earth, who hope to live together in heaven. By associating with and copying the example of such Christians, we shall have peace within, and live at peace with the brethren; our communications with the Lord's people on earth will be pleasing, and we shall be numbered with them in glory everlasting.
McArther Bible Commentary
pen and ink … face to face. See note on 2Jn 1:12.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 1:19 2 John 1:12

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He hopes soon to see Gaius.
Here is the character of Demetrius. A name in the gospel, or a good report in the churches, is better than worldly honour. Few are well spoken of by all; and sometimes it is ill to be so. Happy those whose spirit and conduct commend them before God and men. We must be ready to bear our testimony to them; and it is well when those who commend, can appeal to the consciences of such as know most of those who are commended. A personal conversation together often spares time and trouble, and mistakes which rise from letters; and good Christians may well be glad to see one another. The blessing is, Peace be to you; all happiness attend you. Those may well salute and greet one another on earth, who hope to live together in heaven. By associating with and copying the example of such Christians, we shall have peace within, and live at peace with the brethren; our communications with the Lord's people on earth will be pleasing, and we shall be numbered with them in glory everlasting.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Salute the friends by name - That is, in the same manner as if I had named them one by one. The word friend does not often occur in the New Testament, being swallowed up in the more endearing one of brother.
Bible Cross References
John 10:3 John 20:19 John 20:21 Ephesians 6:23 1 Peter 5:14 2 John 1:12