This epistle is addressed to a converted Gentile. The scope
is to commend his stedfastness in the faith, and his
hospitality, especially to the ministers of Christ.
- The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality. (1-8)
Cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent
spirit; but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent
character. (9-12) He hopes soon to see Gaius. (13,14)
Verses 1-8: Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for
his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side
heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ
health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must
then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we
may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have
healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is
still more room for activity. How many professors there are,
about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must
earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their
health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A
good report is due from those who receive good; they could not
but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men
will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad
to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy
to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see
their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty
differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who
bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in
what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear
their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of
what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of
Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do,
but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of
life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein,
and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's
gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means.
Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help,
and countenance those who do so.
Verses 9-12: Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and
spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad
not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who
would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be
accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is
good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of
God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God.
Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad
design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and
power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after
the example of our Lord.
Verse 13,14: Here is the character of Demetrius. A name in the gospel,
or a good report in the churches, is better than worldly honour.
Few are well spoken of by all; and sometimes it is ill to be so.
Happy those whose spirit and conduct commend them before God and
men. We must be ready to bear our testimony to them; and it is
well when those who commend, can appeal to the consciences of
such as know most of those who are commended. A personal
conversation together often spares time and trouble, and
mistakes which rise from letters; and good Christians may well
be glad to see one another. The blessing is, Peace be to you;
all happiness attend you. Those may well salute and greet one
another on earth, who hope to live together in heaven. By
associating with and copying the example of such Christians, we
shall have peace within, and live at peace with the brethren;
our communications with the Lord's people on earth will be
pleasing, and we shall be numbered with them in glory
everlasting.
