Matthew Henry Commentary 3 John 1
Matthew Henry Commentary
3 John 1
Matthew Henry Commentary
3 John 1
"The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth. Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal; who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God: because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth." — 3 John 1:1-8 (ASV)
Those who are beloved by Christ will love their fellow believers for His sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side of heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health.
A rich soul may reside in a weak body, and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a providential arrangement. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls may also have healthy bodies, so that their grace may shine where there is even more room for activity.
How many professing believers there are about whom the apostle's words would need to be reversed, and we would have to earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do!
True faith will work by love. Those who receive good things owe a good report; they could not help but testify to the church about what they had found and felt. Good people will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others, and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others.
And just as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers to see their people adorning their profession of faith. Gaius overlooked petty differences among sincere 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 leads them to the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but also what they may do. They should perform even the common actions of life and acts of goodwill in a godly manner, serving God in them and intending His glory.
Those who freely make known Christ's gospel should be supported by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot proclaim it themselves may still welcome, support, and encourage those who do so.
"I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth [them] out of the church. Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Demetrius hath the witness of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness: and thou knowest that our witness is true." — 3 John 1:9-12 (ASV)
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 in it, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow what 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.
"I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write [them] to thee with ink and pen: but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name." — 3 John 1:13-14 (ASV)
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 bad 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 good when those who commend can appeal to the consciences of those who know the commended individuals best. A personal conversation together often spares time and trouble, and mistakes that arise from letters; and good Christians may rightly be glad to see one another.
The blessing is, Peace be to you; all happiness attend you. Those may rightly 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 will have peace within and live at peace with our fellow believers; our communications with the Lord's people on earth will be pleasing, and we will be numbered with them in glory everlasting.
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