THE THIRD EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE
St. John praises Gaius for his walking in truth and for his charity,
complains of the bad conduct of Diotrephes and gives a good testimony
to Demetrius.
3 John Chapter 1
1:1. The Ancient, to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
1:2. Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that
thou mayest proceed prosperously and fare well, as thy soul doth
prosperously.
1:3. I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony
to the truth in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
1:4. I have no greater grace than this, to hear that my children walk
in truth.
No greater grace. . .that is nothing that gives me greater joy and
satisfaction.
1:5. Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the
brethren: and that for strangers,
1:6. Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the
church. Whom thou shalt do well to bring forward on their way in a
manner worthy of God:
1:7. Because, for his name they went out, taking nothing of the
Gentiles.
Taking nothing of the Gentiles. . .These ministers of the gospel are
commended by St. John, who took nothing from the Gentiles, lest they
should seem to preach in order to get money by it.
1:8. We therefore ought to receive such: that we may be fellow helpers
of the truth.
1:9. I had written perhaps to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to
have the preeminence among them, doth not receive us.
Diotrephes who loveth. . .This man seemeth to be in power, but not a
friend to the faithful; therefore this part of the letter might be an
admonition to him from the apostle.
1:11. Dearly beloved, follow not that which is evil: but that which is
good. He that doth good is of God: he that doth evil hath not seen God.
1:12. To Demetrius, testimony is given by all, and by the truth itself:
yea and we also give testimony. And thou knowest that our testimony is
true.
1:13. I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and
pen write to thee.
1:14. But I hope speedily to see thee: and we will speak mouth to
mouth. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute the friends
by name.