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1: Caius was probably that Caius of Corinth whom St. Paul
mentions, (Ro 16:23). If so, either he was removed from
Achaia into Asia, or St. John sent this letter to Corinth.
3: For - I know thou usest all thy talents to his glory.
The truth that is in thee - The true faith and love.
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.
5: Faithfully - Uprightly and sincerely.
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!
7: They went forth - To preach the gospel.
8: To receive - With all kindness.
The truth - Which they preach.
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!
10: He prateth against us - Both them and me,
thereby endeavouring to excuse himself.
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.
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.
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.
