Words in italic type have been added for clarity. They are not found in the original Hebrew or Aramaic.

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III John 1

Greeting to Gaius

III John 1:¹ The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:

• Gaius means “Lord; an earthly man.”
• Another person who was a “Lord; an earthy man” was our Lord Jesus who became a man when He came to earth.
• Like Jesus, Gaius welcomed others warmly.

III John 1:² Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

• Gaius is prosperous in his love of the Lord.

III John 1:³ For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.

• Truth prospers the soul.

III John 1:⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (the truth).

• In this world, truth is a precious, supernatural and rare commodity. To walk in truth is to put on supernatural and priceless shoes as part of the armor of God. They are for spreading the gospel.
  • Ephesians 6:¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Gaius Commended for Generosity

III John 1:⁵ Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and (especially) for strangers,

• Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

III John 1:⁶ who have borne witness of your love before the church (Lit assembly). If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God (theos), you will do well,

III John 1:⁷ because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

III John 1:⁸ We therefore ought to receive (support) such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

III John 1:⁹ I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.

• Similar to the Scribes and Pharisees, Diotrephes loves his preeminence.
  • Matthew 23:6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
  • Matthew 6:5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

III John 1:¹⁰ Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating (talking nonsense) against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

• Similar to the Pharaoh of the Red Sea who dammed up the Hebrews from leaving Egypt to worship God, Diotrephes dams up the brethren and forbids them from worshiping God with the those who come to teach, even expel them assembly.

III John 1:¹¹ Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God (theos).

III John 1:¹² Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also (testify) bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.

• In contrast Demetrius walks in truth with a good report. His esteem comes not from being served but from serving others.

Farewell Greeting

III John 1:¹³ I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; ¹⁴ but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face.

• Not with pen and not with ink but face to face in sync embrace.

Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.