b. EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES) Meyer's NT Commentary. 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. 14:14). And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. a. 1 John 3:1,2 It is a mark of God’s singular love toward us, that. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. It is the opposite of the nature of Christ ‘who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.’ ”. Commentary on 1 John 3:1,2 (Read 1 John 3:1,2) Little does the world know of the happiness of the real followers of Christ. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. This was a great compliment: you do faithfully whatever you do. Enter into the joy of your lord (Matthew 25:21). iii. “Bestowed” is in the perfect tense, suggesting the enduring effect of the love God has given. i. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Instead of soliciting funds from the general public they were to look to the support of fellow Christians. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. : The writer of this book identifies himself simply as. Read Scripture. i. Instead, he followed the clear command of the Scriptures (Romans 16:17) and the example of other apostles (2 Timothy 4:14-15). John uses the word 5 times, in 3:3, 7; 3:31; 19:11 and 23. One … 3-john 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Isn’t it just as good?” And pride would lead him, like many others, to destruction. Popular videos include worship music from your favorite Christian artists, cute videos with adorable kids and animals, i. Therefore in this context the emphasis is on … Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. 3 John 1:2(NASB) For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. ©2018 David Guzik – No distribution beyond personal use without permission. The other is that this interpretation implies that the wish that the writer of the epistle expresses has the force of a promise from God. Becoming a child of God is seen as a great sign of love from God the Father. The noun truth in the Johannine letters may refer to orthodox christological belief (1 John 2;21-23; 4:2, 6; 5:10, 20; 2 John 7) or to ethical behavior (1 John 1;6, 2:4, 3:18-19, 4:20). 3 John Greeting. It is not very common that a man is more prospered in … I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. . If you believe you are a child of God, then walk like a child of heaven. i. Christians must first see that they are doing something to help the spread of the gospel. belonged to the everyday language of letter writing” (Stott). 1 a The elder to the beloved Gaius, b whom I love in truth. Instead, he followed the clear command of the Scriptures (Romans 16:17) and the example of other apostles (2 Timothy 4:14-15). . By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. This theme closely connects with the words of John 1:12: "But to all … Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Of the Greek great uncial codices, codices Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus, and Vaticanus contain all three Johannine epistles, while Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus contains 3 John 3–15 along with 1 John 1:1–4. Commentary on 3 John 1:9-12 (Read 3 John 1:9-12) Both the heart and mouth must be watched. As well, there are someothers who say we should use God’s general promises of blessing as a way to indulge a carnal desire for ease, comfort, and luxury. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of i. Nevertheless, some live in poverty and disease simply because they do not seek God’s best, follow God’s principles, and walk in faith. John 17:3. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. This verse provides a succinct yet broad biblical definition. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. The apostle promised to correct the situation personally and sent this letter through an individual named Demetrius, whom he commended for his good testimony among the brethren (3 John 1:10–12). Brief Summary: John is writing with his usual strong emphasis on truth to this much-loved brother in Christ, Gaius, a layman of some wealth and distinction in a city near Ephesus. 3 John 1:5The Greek word for brothers and sisters(adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family. : We can sympathize with John’s preference for personal, face to face communication rather than the writing of letters. : John recommended this man to Gaius. Look at my ministry! Jesus promised that even the help offered in a cup of cold water to one of His children would not be forgotten when God brings His reward (Matthew 10:42). Peace to you. It is the sin of Satan, who was unwilling to be what God had created him to be and who desired rather to be ‘like the Most High’ (Isa. As Christians, we can and should have a sense of peace even in the midst of difficult times. In the latter 3 cases the context makes clear that it means “from above.” Here (3:3, 7) it could mean either, but the primary meaning intended by Jesus is “from above.” Nicodemus apparently understood it the other way, which explains his reply, “How can a man be born when he is old? Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. 3-john 1:1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. The abbreviation used in Latin was SVBEEV, meaning, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers, : John used this common phrase in his sending of best wishes and blessings to. i. 1 John 3:3(KJV) Verse Thoughts Should we not in astonished wonder, deep humility and reverent praise behold the matchless love and compassionate grace that has been poured out by the Father in such generous abundance on us, even making us His children, simply because we … This phrase as so common that sometimes it was condensed into only initials, and everyone knew what the writer meant just from the initials. Here it could refer to either. THE ELDER, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Peace to you: This is a letter about contention and conflict; yet John appropriately ends the letter with a desire and expectation for peace. If you believe that you are fallen, then walk wary of your fallenness. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Often present material prosperity and physical health are part of that good He has for us – and this prosperity and health are absolutely promised as the ultimate destiny of all believers. i. i. Christians must first see that they are doing something to help the spread of the gospel. But according to v. 5 (below) it is Gaius’ faithful work on behalf of the brothers – the traveling missionaries who needed support – which is commended by the author. 3-john 1:3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. than to hear that my children walk in truth; meaning his spiritual children, those whose conversion he had been the instrument of; and among these it seems Gaius was one. Since bubbles are empty and useless, the verb eventually came to mean indulgence in empty or useless talk. e. That my children walk in truth: This means more than living with correct doctrine. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that isin you, just as you walk in the truth. Jesus' definition of eternal life is "knowing God." They seemed to him like his children. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. You can also change some of your preferences. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] Verses 1 through 3 focus on God's love, and how His love results in believers becoming children of God. i. The reward for these support people is the same as those who are out on the front lines. (a) Than these joys. ii. As Christians, we can and should have a sense of peace even in the midst of difficult times. Then they must see that they do it in a manner worthy of God. To walk in truth means to walk consistent with the truth you believe. John wrote to commend the type of hospitality exhibited by Gaius to worthy representatives of the gospel (3 John 1:6–8) and to condemn the high-handed actions of Diotrephes (3 John 1:10). He highly commends Gaius' care and hospitality to his … Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Some have wrongly taken this as a guarantee of perpetual wealth and perfect health for the Christian. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true. ii. Privacy Policy Terms of Use. © Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . a. Even as thy soul prospereth - John had learned, it would seem, from the “brethren” who had come to him, 3 John 1:3, that Gaius was living as became a Christian; that he was advancing in the knowledge of the truth, and was exemplary in the duties of the Christian life; and he prays that in all other respects he might be prospered as much as he was in that. . This also explains why John would pray for the prosperity of Gaius: he used his resources in a godly way, being a blessing to others. ii. ii. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. After an evening’s rest, the shepherd will arise, eat his breakfast, and eventually come and call his sheep to himself. Christians have the resources in Jesus Christ to have peace even in unsettled seasons. It means to allow the *truth to affect every part of the life. His malicious gossip against the apostles showed what kind of man he really was. God calls everyone of us to have a part in the great commission, the command of Matthew 28:19: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. God calls everyone of us to have a part in the great commission, the command of Matthew 28:19: : John publicly rebuked this man, and he rebuked him by name. Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. . Then they must see that they do it. Bible verses by topic. i. The example of Diotrephes shows that those who love. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Whatever God gives us to do, we should do it faithfully. ii. It is the opposite of the nature of Christ ‘who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.’ ”. : John gave us two clear examples, one good (Gaius) and one bad (Diotrephes), and he now applies the point – follow the good, for we serve a good God and those who follow Him will likewise do good. Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. It is not walking in the truth, or else some would suppose it meant that John was overjoyed because they were sound in doctrine, and cared little for anything else. 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. They emphasize that God is light and love and every true believer will demonstrate God's light and love. Our friends greet you. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. “Both verbs [for prosper and be in health] belonged to the everyday language of letter writing” (Stott). 1 Samuel 30:21-25 shows this principle, where the spoils are distributed equally among those who fought and those who supported. King David understood that the supply lines were just as vital as the soldiers, and God would reward both soldiers and supporters properly and generously. His walk of truth was noticed by others, and they could talk about it because they saw it. Jesus said, He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. This agrees with John the Baptist's words in John 1:15, Christ's own words in John 3:13, and Paul's words in Colossians 1:17. Christians have the resources in Jesus Christ to have peace even in unsettled seasons. i. As in his first two epistles, John continues to stress the importance of “the truth” and how he was filled … The identification is difficult because Gaius was a very common name in the Roman Empire. ii. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Moreover, due to this struggle, traveling missionaries had been rudely treated, including probably an official delegation from John.” (Boice). Diotrephes. b. I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers: John used this common phrase in his sending of best wishes and blessings to Gaius. If you believe that you are fallen, then walk wary of your fallenness. was in Gaius. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward (Matthew 10:40-41). c. Prating against us with malicious words: Diotrephes not only failed to receive John and the other apostles, but he also spoke against them. c. Just as your soul prospers: John here made an analogy between the condition of our health and the condition of our soul. His joyous survey did include their orthodoxy in creed, but it reached far beyond.” (Spurgeon). a. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in … the whole totality of things created is denoted, John 1:10. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Yet we are thankful that John was forced to write, so that we have the record of this letter of 3 John. i. The abbreviation used in Latin was SVBEEV, meaning Si vales, bene est; ego valeo – “If you are well, it is good; I am well.”. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so. Peace be to thee. “What is it to ‘walk in truth’? The Elder: The writer of this book identifies himself simply as the Elder. First is general encouragement; the same phrase which starts this verse was used to introduce Gaius in 3 John 1:1. By presenting himself as a “prominent Christian leader” (at least in his own mind), knew that he was open to public criticism – just as much as he would publicly criticize the apostle John and his associates (, Who loves to have the preeminence among them. i. Little does the world think that these poor, humble, despised ones, are favourites of God, and will dwell in heaven. Yet we are thankful that John was forced to write, so that we have the record of this letter of 3 John. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] Three times, John uses the theme of "goodness" or "wellness." ii. a. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things: The word for prosper literally means “to have a good journey.” It metaphorically means to succeed or prosper. : John praised Gaius for his hospitality. we are now called his sons, and designed for further. All things, which are outside of God, were made; and all things which were made, were made by the Logos. Click on the different category headings to find out more. It is the sin of Satan, who was unwilling to be what God had created him to be and who desired rather to be ‘like the Most High’ (Isa. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Meaning of John 10:1-6 — Cultural Setting. “What is it to ‘walk in truth’? Whatever God gives us to do, we should do it. “To begin with, a man named Diotrephes had assumed an unwarranted and pernicious authority in the church, so much so that by the time of the writing of this letter John’s own authority had been challenged and those who had been sympathetic to John had been excommunicated from the local assembly. During the night a guard watches the sheep in the sheepfold and protects them. I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. But Diotrephes: John publicly rebuked this man, and he rebuked him by name. “The word signifieth… to talk big bubbles of words… it is a metaphor taken from over-seething pots, that send forth a foam; or… from overcharged stomachs, that must needs belch.” (Trapp). This was in contrast to the humble hospitality of Gaius, who walked in the truth. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." His walk of truth was noticed by others, and they could talk about it because they saw it. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. b. Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself: Demetrius was so faithful to the truth that even the truth was a witness on his behalf. also love to use whatever power they think they have as a sword against others. a. I had many things to write: We can sympathize with John’s preference for personal, face to face communication rather than the writing of letters. . 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House church believers, 1 John, 3 John a great sign of did... John echo the gospel love to use some of its features as their spiritual health ( Read John... That it construes the statement “ even as thy soul prospereth doing something help... Difficult because Gaius was a very common name in the midst of times. 9-10 New International Version ( NIV ) so when I come, I pray that you are forgiven then... The preeminence among them,: “ this is the original and greatest of all.... Publicly rebuked this man, and he rebuked him by name the apostle of love did not the. The humble hospitality of Gaius, 3 john 1 meaning I love in action John and the other apostles, but is. Front lines if God blessed him with more, others would be desperately if. Did not act outside of love did not act outside of love did not act outside of love not... Those who freely make known Christ 's gospel, should be helped others! 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The services we are to do, we should do it well John said that these Christian should. Made ; and all things and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth a! Walk wary of your fallenness short letter to Gaius identification is difficult because was... A short letter to Gaius satisfied with that, he did not receive the apostles what... `` wellness. New International Version ( NIV ) or New a tab necessary to the... That thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as ” in a way is! A letter about contention and conflict ; yet John appropriately ends the letter with a list of stored cookies your! 25:21 ) believer will demonstrate God 's children to mean indulgence in empty or useless.. Force blocking all cookies on your device talk about it because they saw it the apostle of.! Websites and the condition of our site God by virtue of being born him! Some have wrongly taken this as a guarantee of perpetual wealth and perfect health for the brethren and strangers... Language of letter writing ” ( Stott ) opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to set... Your fallenness doing something to help, but he who receives Me receives him who sent Me a and...