Bible Commentaries

Gaius; a Christian whose piety and beneficence had greatly endeared him to the apostle.

As thy soul prospereth; that he might be as much favored in his health and outward condition as he was in his piety and beneficence. It is desirable that good men should not only be eminent in piety and good works, but also have health and be in unembarrassed outward circumstances. They should therefore conscientiously and diligently use all suitable means to secure these important blessings.

My children; Christians, especially those who had been converted through his instrumentality.

The brethren; Christians who were in want.

Strangers; those who were driven from home by persecution, or who had left it in the service of Christ.

After a godly sort; with that kind of assistance which becomes disciples of Christ towards his ministers who go to preach the gospel and supply the destitute. It is the duty of ministers from love to Christ not only to preach the gospel at home, but to go to the heathen and preach it, where Christ has never been known; and when they do this, it cannot be expected that the heathen, at first, should support them. It is not wise to ask it; and it is in such cases a duty, and should be esteemed a privilege, for Christians at home to support them.

His name’s sake; from love to Christ.

Went forth; to preach the gospel to the heathen.

Taking nothing; of their hearers for their support, but were supported by Christian friends and their own efforts.

Be fellow-helpers; assist them in spreading the gospel.

I wrote unto the church; requesting them to assist the brethren in their benevolent efforts.

Diotrephes; who opposed the apostle, and influenced the church not to comply with his request.

The brethren; whom the apostle had recommended to their hospitality and aid. Those who love power and seek to have preeminence in the church, are very apt to be haters of good men and of what they do for Christ-to be opposed to the right of private judgment, and to persecute those who exercise it. But all such deeds are evil, let who will perform them, and they will be remembered and treated as evil in the day when God shall render to every one according to his works.

That which is evil; as exemplified by Diotrephes.

He that doeth good; to the friends of Christ, from love to him.

Is of God; belongs to God, as one of his children who is like him, and has communion with him.

Hath not seen God; has wrong views of him, and is opposed to him.

Hath good report; is well spoken of, justly, as a good man, whose works attest his piety and benevolence.

Kind salutations of friends are profitable, both to those who give and those who receive them; and real kindness habitually and kindly expressed, is the essence of true politeness, the ornament of dignified refinement, and the source of pure, elevated, and purifying joy.