What does 3 John 1:2 mean?
ESV: Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
NIV: Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
NASB: Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
CSB: Dear friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and are in good health, just as your whole life is going well.
NLT: Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.
KJV: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
NKJV: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Verse Commentary:
Three times, John uses the theme of "goodness" or "wellness." First is general encouragement; the same phrase which starts this verse was used to introduce Gaius in 3 John 1:1. Second, John prays a general blessing. Then, he appeals for the health of Gaius. We don't know for sure that Gaius had specific health concerns which would require prayer. One possibility is that Gaius was elderly. The apostle John was quite old by the time he wrote this letter, and Gaius might have been of a similar age. John seems to have known him for some time, and speaks of his church members as children (3 John 1:4). Third, John spoke specifically about Gaius's spiritual maturity. John loved him (3 John 1:1), spoke well of those he led in his church (3 John 1:3–4), and commended his work (3 John 1:5–8).
Verse Context:
Third John 1:1–8 introduces the writer as “the elder,” which tradition says is the apostle John. It specifies that the letter is meant for Gaius, who is praised for his positive reputation. In particular, Gaius is applauded for caring for missionaries and other traveling Christians. This is especially important to John, so those preaching the truth aren’t dependent on the support of non-believers.
Chapter Summary:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Chapter Context:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Book Summary:
Third John consists of just one chapter. This is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow believer, Gaius. “Truth” is mentioned six times in this book's brief 15 verses. Gaius is praised for his commitment to Christian service. At the same time, John condemns the actions of Diotrephes, a church member causing problems. After mentioning the good reputation of a man named Demetrius, John closes his letter in the hope of coming to see Gaius face-to-face. This upcoming meeting seems to be why the letter is so short.
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