Free Bible Commentary
“3 John 1:1-4”
Categories: Third John“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”
---End of Scripture verses---
The elder John begins and ends in much the same way as in 2nd John. Yet, as we pointed out in our introduction, there are differences between the two letters. John addresses this third epistle to a brother in Christ named Gaius. Gaius was one of the most popular names in the Roman Empire so complete satisfaction in identifying this brother evades the reader (it was one of the 18 names from which Roman parents could choose a praenomen, a first name, for one of their sons). Even so, a brief listing is beneficial: Gaius of Corinth (1Cor. 1:4; Rom. 16:23); Gaius of Macedonia (Acts 19:29); and Gaius of Derbe (Acts 20:4). The general consensus seems to be that the Gaius mentioned here is Gaius of Derbe (based on the early extra-biblical document “Apostolical Constitutions” from the fourth century), but again, we cannot know this for certain. What we do know of the Gaius mentioned in 3rd John is simple, powerful statements of confidence are expressed by the beloved apostle of Jesus. John’s love for this Gaius is said to be “in truth.” Just as we noted in the second epistle, truth undergirds love and love is demonstrated by obedience to God. This brother was beloved (the same term used of God toward His people). We do well to note that “love” is at the root of three of the first eleven words in the Greek text of 3rd John.
After expressing sentiments of divine passion, John follows the typical trajectory of a short, personal letter and expresses concern for the prosperity and good health of Gaius. It was so common in fact that in Roman letters, it was abbreviated S V B E E V which stood for si uales, bene est; ego valeo (“if you are well, that is good; I am well”). He loves this brother and prays to God that Gaius is blessed in service. This style of beginning a letter is reflected in Greco-Roman letters as in Jewish letters, but the standard of the greeting is deeper. This is no mere trifling expression to meet common expectation; this is John pouring out his heart and soul for a brother who is in a difficult circumstance. Gaius needed an ally and John is there with him 100%. What a wind to be put into Gaius’s sails! Further, this expression is compounded in value by the addition of “just as your soul prospers.” John was not simply concerned for the temporal Gaius, but for the spiritual Gaius as well. They are brothers in arms in the greatest army of all, the army of the Lord! Gaius needed a reminder that his love, sincerity, devotion, and service to the cause of Christ were purposeful, effective, and appreciated, despite the difficulties he faced with Diotrephes, and possibly others.
John rejoiced at the good report he had received regarding Gaius. Gaius was withstanding the flames of Satan and was on fire for the Lord. This sentiment was reflected in 2nd John with “some” of the group and is not heartily lavished upon a single light – Gaius. And much like the second epistle, truth is mentioned several times in as many verses. Truth. Truth. Truth. That’s what it all comes back to brothers and sisters. When one possesses the truth, they can be confident that what they are committed to is pleasing to the Lord. Gaius was pleasing the one who had enlisted him (2 Timothy 2:4).
I have to confess that one of the greatest verses of this letter has to be verse 4: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” Is there really anything that could compare? To hear and be confident that your spiritual work in the kingdom on behalf of another soul has stayed true, held fast, and been proven? It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 3:10-15: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” Compare also the sentiments expressed in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 between Paul and his spiritual children. John Stott, in his commentary in the Tyndale New Testament Commentary series, also expresses this about the verse: “He who ‘walks in the truth’ is an integrated Christian in whom is no dichotomy between profession and practice. On the contrary, there is in him an exact correspondence between his creed and his conduct” (219-220).
Please read 3 John 1:5-8 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
