Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 John Jude
3 John 1
Concise Complete
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.
Verses 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.
Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 John Jude
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
