Fathers

3 John 1

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The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

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What the Fathers say

3 John 1:12

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

By "all," that is, those who possess the truth, "and from the truth itself," that is, in word and in deed; for although the virtue of some is testified to, the testimony proves to be false, because the words do not correspond to the reality. But if someone, by the broad meaning of the word "all," understands both believers and unbelievers, his understanding is also not unjust; for the apostle Paul commands all the faithful: "Give no offense, either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all …

Commentary on 3 John ↗

Oecumenius

Demetrius has been testified by all, and by the very truth itself: but we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true. "by all:" say those who keep the truth. "and by the very truth itself:" which is the effectiveness of speech. For there are some to whom virtue bears witness, but it is frustrated by ineffective speech or lacking in deeds. If someone accepts the part "by all," even from the unfaithful, because "all" comprehends everyone, he would not be wrong to take the speech in a good sense. …

Commentary on 3 John ↗

Western Saints

Bede

Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone. That is, he himself welcomed the weak and supported the needy for the sake of the truth. Therefore, Gaius should also imitate him, so that he too may be worthy of the praise of all.

Commentary on the Catholic Epistles ↗