NOTES

THE THIRD EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN.

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The third epistle has likewise three parts:-

I. The inscription,.......................... V. 1,2

II. The commendation of Caius,.................. 3-8

With a caution against Diotrephes........ 9-11

And a recommendation of Demetrius,......... 12

III. The conclusion,.......................... 13-15

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Verse 1. Caius was probably that Caius of Corinth whom St. Paul

mentions, # Rom 16:23. If so, either he was removed from

Achaia into Asia, or St. John sent this letter to Corinth.

Verse 3. For-I know thou usest all thy talents to his glory.

The truth that is in thee-The true faith and love.

Verse 4. I have no greater joy than this-Such is the spirit of

every true Christian pastor. To hear that my children walk in

the truth-Caius probably was converted by St. Paul. Therefore

when St. John speaks of him. with other believers, as his

children, it may be considered as the tender style of paternal

love, whoever were the instruments of their conversion. And his

using this appellation, when writing under the character of the

elder, has its peculiar beauty.

Verse 5. Faithfully-Uprightly and sincerely.

Verse 6. Who have testified of thy love before the church-The

congregation with whom I now reside. Whom if thou send forward

on their journey-Supplied with what is needful. Thou shalt do

well-How tenderly does the apostle enjoin this!

Verse 7. They went forth-To preach the gospel.

Verse 8. To receive-With all kindness.

The truth-Which they preach.

Verse 9. I wrote to the church-Probably that to which they came.

But Diotrephes-Perhaps the pastor of it. Who loveth to have the

preeminence among them-To govern all things according to his own

will. Receiveth us not-Neither them nor me. So did the mystery

of iniquity already work!

Verse 10. He prateth against us-Both them and me,

thereby endeavouring to excuse himself.

Verse 11. Follow not that which is evil-In Diotrephes.

But that which is good-In Demetrius.

He hath not seen God-Is a stranger to him.

Verse 12. And from the truth itself-That is, what they

testify is the very truth. Yea, we also bear testimony

-I and they that are with me.

Verse 14. Salute the friends by name-That is, in the same

manner as if I had named them one by one. The word friend

does not often occur in the New Testament, being swallowed

up in the more endearing one of brother.

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