Matthew Henry Commentary 3 John 1:1-8

"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.