Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 3 John 1:6
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:
6. Which have borne witness of thy charity ] Rather, as R.V., Who hare witness to thy love. There is no need here to turn the aorist into the perfect; and certainly in S. John’s writings (whatever may be our view of 1 Corinthians 13) must always be rendered ‘love.’ In a text like this, moreover, ‘charity’ is specially likely to be understood in the vulgar sense of almsgiving.
before the church ] Probably at Ephesus; but wherever S. John was when he wrote the letter. Only in this Third Epistle does he use the word ‘church.’
whom thou shalt do well ] The verb comes immediately after the relative in the Greek, and may as well remain there; whom thou wilt do well to forward on their journey: literally, whom thou wilt do well having sent on. The word for ‘send on’ or ‘forward’ occurs Act 15:3; Act 20:38; Act 21:5; Rom 15:24; 1Co 16:6; 1Co 16:11 ; 2Co 1:16; Tit 3:13. There would be abundant opportunity in the early Church for such friendly acts; and in telling Gaius that he will do a good deed in helping Christians on their way the Apostle gently urges him to continue such work. Comp. Php 4:14; Act 10:33.
after a godly sort ] This is vague and rather wide of the Greek, which means, worthily of God (R.V.), or, in a manner worthy of God (Rhemish), or as it beseemeth God (Tyndale and Genevan). ‘Help them forward in a way worthy of Him whose servants they and you are.’ Comp. 1Th 2:12; Col 1:10.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church – It would seem that they had returned to John, and borne honorable testimony to the love manifested to them by Gaius. Before what church they had borne this testimony is unknown. Perhaps it was the church in Ephesus.
Whom if thou bring forward on their journey – hous propempsas. Whom bringing forward, or having brought forward. The word refers to aid rendered to them in their journey, in facilitating their travels, either by personally accompanying them, by furnishing them the means of prosecuting their journey, or by hospitably entertaining them. Gaius probably aided them in every way in which it was practicable. It has been made a question whether this refer, to the fact that he had thus aided them in some visit which they had made to the church where Gaius was, or to a visit which they purposed to make. The Greek would seem to favor the latter construction, and yet it would appear from the Epistle, that the brethren and strangers actually had been with him that they had been rejected by the church through the influence of Diotrephes, and had been thrown upon the hospitality of Gaius, and that they had returned, and had borne honorable testimony to his hospitality. These views can be reconciled by supposing, as Lucke does, that having been once on their travels, and having shared the hospitality of Gaius, they were purposing to visit that region again, and that John, praising him for his former hospitality, commends them again to him, stating the reason 3Jo 1:9-10 why he did not, in accordance with the usual custom, recommend them to the care of the church. They had now gone out 3Jo 1:7 on the same errand upon which they had formerly gone, and they had now equal claims to the hospitality of the friends of religion.
After a godly sort – Margin, as in Greek, worthy of God. The meaning is, As becomes those who serve God; or as becomes those who are professors of his religion.
Thou shalt do well – You will do what religion requires in these circumstances.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 6. Which have borne witness of thy charity] Of thy love and benevolence.
Before the Church] The believers at Ephesus; for to this Church the apostle seems to refer.
Whom if thou bring forward] If thou continue to assist such, as thou hast done, thou shalt do well.
The brethren of whom St. John speaks might have been apostles; the strangers, assistants to these apostles, as John Mark was to Barnabas. Both were itinerant evangelists.
After a godly sort] . Worthy of God; and in such a way as he can approve. Let all Churches, all congregations of Christians, from whom their ministers and preachers can claim nothing by law, and for whom the state makes no provision, lay this to heart; let them ask themselves, Do we deal with these in a manner worthy of God, and worthy of the profession we make? Do we suffer them to lack the bread that perisheth, while they minister to us with no sparing hand the bread of life? Let a certain class of religious people, who will find themselves out when they read this note, consider whether, when their preachers have ministered to them their certain or stated time, and are called to go and serve other Churches, they send them forth in a manner worthy of God, making a reasonable provision for the journey which they are obliged to take. In the itinerant ministry of the apostles it appears that each Church bore the expenses of the apostle to the next Church or district to which he was going to preach the word of life. So it should be still in the mission and itinerant ministry.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
After a godly sort; i.e. after a manner (as the Greek expression is) worthy of God, viz. as becomes them who bear the name of God, as thou dost, or are intent upon his work, as they are; which latter notion is confirmed by what follows.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
bornewitness of thy charity before the church to stimulate others by the good example. The brethren soentertained by Gaius were missionary evangelists (3Jo1:7);and, probably, in the course of narrating their missionary labors forthe edification of the Church where John then was, incidentallymentioned the loving hospitality shown them by Gaius.
bringforward on their journey If thou (continueto)forward on their journey by giving them provisions for the way.
aftera godly sort Greek,in a manner worthy of God, whose ambassadors they are, andwhose servant thou art. He who honors Gods missionary servants(3Jo1:7),honors God.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church,…. At Ephesus, where John was; these brethren and strangers coming thither, and being greatly affected with Gaius’s kindness and liberality to them, could not forbear speaking of it to his praise, in the presence of the members of the church, as well as acquainted the Apostle John with it; the Syriac version reads, “before the whole church”; they bore testimony of his liberality in a very public manner And this the apostle mentions to encourage Gaius to go on, and continue in his kindness to the same persons, since they retained such a grateful sense of past favours; and whereas they were now returning back, he desires that he would give them some further assistance:
whom if thou bring forward on their journey; the word here used signifies, to send on before, as in Ac 15:3, and is used by the Septuagint in the same sense as here, and in the above places, in Ge 18:16; where it is said, that “Abraham went with them (the angels) to bring them on in the way”, , “to send them on”, or “send them away”; dismiss them, take his leave of them in a friendly and honourable way. The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan render it, , “to accompany them”; and so this Greek word, which seems to answer to the Hebrew phrase, signifies an honourable accompanying, leading forth, and taking leave of friends; and so the apostle encourages Gaius to behave in like manner to the brethren and strangers; meaning, either by accompanying them in person, or by sending his servants along with them, both to direct them the way, and to secure them from danger, and chiefly by furnishing them with everything necessary for them; see Tit 3:13. And this he would have him do,
after a godly sort; or “worthy of God”; in imitation of God, who is merciful, kind, and beneficent; or as it became him whom God had called by his grace to his kingdom and glory; or as it was fit and proper such servants of God, as those brethren were, should be used; and this would be doing well:
thou shalt do well; what is grateful and well pleasing to God, and beautiful and lovely in the eyes of his people.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Before the church ( ). Public meeting as the anarthrous use of indicates, like in 1Cor 14:19; 1Cor 14:35.
Thou wilt do well ( ). Future active of with adverb , a common polite phrase in letters (papyri) like our “please.” See also Acts 10:33; Jas 2:19; 1Cor 7:37; Phil 4:14; 2Pet 1:19.
To set forward on their journey (). First aorist active participle (simultaneous action) of , to send forward, “sending forward,” old word, in N.T. in Acts 15:3; Acts 20:38; Acts 21:5; 1Cor 16:6; 1Cor 16:11; 2Cor 1:16; Rom 15:24; Titus 3:13.
Worthily of God ( ). Precisely this phrase in 1Th 2:12 and the genitive with also in Rom 16:2; Phil 1:27; Col 1:10; Eph 4:1. See Joh 13:20 for Christ’s words on the subject. “Since they are God’s representatives, treat them as you would God” (Holtzmann). From Homer’s time (Od. XV. 74) it was customary to speed the parting guest, sometimes accompanying him, sometimes providing money and food. Rabbis were so escorted and Paul alludes to the same gracious custom in Rom 15:24; Titus 3:13.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
The Church [] . See on Mt 16:18.
If thou bring forward on their journey [] . Lit., having sent forward. The aorist tense represents the act as accomplished. Compare Act 14:3; Tit 3:13. Rev., set forward.
After a godly sort [ ] . Lit., worthily of God. So Rev. Compare 1Th 2:12; Col 1:10.
Thou shalt do well [ ] . For the phrase, see Act 10:33; Phi 4:14; Jas 2:8, 19; 2Pe 1:19. Rev., renders the whole : whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Which have borne witness of thy charity,” both visiting brethren and strangers had brought a good report to John on Gaius’ faithfulness in detail, in little things, as an expression of his love (Greek agape) high, Holy spiritual love, Mat 7:17; Mat 7:20.
2) “Before the church” – (Greek enopion) means in the face of, before, or open to the knowledge of the assembly (ecclesias). Gaius simply and faithfully let his light shine before men so that both brethren and strangers were influenced and impressed thereby. Mat 5:15-16.
3) “Whom if thou bring forward on their journey”, to assist along in their travel, as bearing or helping to bear expense of travel and food and lodging, etc. Act 15:3.
4) “After a godly sort, thou shalt do well.” Gaius is assured that the person who “tarries by the stuff”, faithful even in little things, shall do well, be rewarded. 1Co 3:5-8; Joh 4:36-38; 1Sa 30:24.
REWARD
“Cast the bread upon the waters,
Ye who have a scant supply;
Angel eyes will watch above it,
You will find it by and by.
He who in His righteous balance,
Doth each human action weigh;
Will your sacrifice remember,
Will your loving deeds repay.”
Selected
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
6. Before the church Their report from their first mission was not to John alone, but before the metropolitan church of Ephesus. So that Gaius’s benefaction had gained for him an illustrious recognition.
If thou bring forward If on their second mission, to which I commend them in this letter.
Bring forward Forward them from thy home on their farther way, furnishing them counsel, guidance, and material aid.
After a godly sort Literally, worthily of God, whose ministers and revealers they are to the Gentiles.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
3Jn 1:6. If thou bring forward on their journey If, according to your wonted kindness, you will do what in you lies to give them all needful assistances for their journey, in a manner suitable to your own Christian temper, and to their relation to, and employment for God, you will act ( ) a worthy part toward them in imitation of his goodness.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
6 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:
Ver. 6. After a godly sort ] Gr. , worthy of God, as seeing God in them, and as beseemeth his servants, who are princes in all lands, Psa 45:16 .
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
3Jn 1:6 . On the anarthrous , see note on 2Jn 1:10 . has the sense of “please” in the Oxyrhynchus Papyri; e.g. , 300, 3 6: , , “I sent you the bread-basket by the cameleer Taurinus; please let me have word again that you got it”. : when a Rabbi visited a town, it was customary on his departure to escort him on his way (Lightfoot, Hor. Heb. , on Mat 5:41 ). The gracious usage was observed in the primitive Church, and it appears to have included the furnishing of provision for the journey ( cf. Tit 3:13 ). Cf. Hom. Od. xv., 74: , . “welcome the coming, speed the parting guest”. , “in a manner worthy of God,” i.e. (1) “Since they are God’s representatives (Joh 13:20 ), weil ihr evangelistenwerk Gottes Werk ist (Holtzm.), treat them as you would treat God”; (2) “Since you are God’s representatives, treat them as God would treat them”.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
have borne witness = bare witness. Same as “testify”, 3Jn 1:3.
charity = love. App-135.
before = in the sight of.
church. App-186.
if . . . journey. Literally having sent forward. Greek. propempo. See Act 15:3. Compare App-174.
after a godly sort = worthily of God (App-98.)
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
3Jn 1:6. , before the Church) These examples were publicly mentioned, for encouragement, [in a very familiar method.-V. g.]- , thou shalt do well) A characteristic [polite] form of exhortation. Thus it is used in the past and the present time, to express approbation: Thou hast spoken well-Thou hast done well, etc., Luk 20:39; Act 10:33; Mar 7:37; Joh 4:17; Joh 13:13; Jam 2:8; Jam 2:19; 2Pe 1:19.-, bringing forward on their journey) with provision for the way, Tit 3:13. Continue to afford benefits even to the end.- , as is worthy of God) He, who honours such as are described in the following verse, honours God.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
great day
The judgment of the fallen angels. The “great day” is the day of the Lord Isa 2:9-22. As the final judgment upon Satan occurs after the thousand years, and preceding the final judgment Rev 20:10 it is congruous to conclude, as to the time, that other fallen angels are judged with him; 2Pe 2:4; Rev 20:10. Christians are associated with Christ in this judgment. For association with angels at judgment 1Co 6:3.
For other information (See Scofield “Rev 20:12”).
angels (See Scofield “Heb 1:4”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
have borne witness of thy charity: 3Jo 1:12, Phm 1:5-7
whom: Act 15:3, Act 21:5, Rom 15:24, 2Co 1:16, Tit 3:13
after a godly sort: or, worthy of God, This is a literal and proper rendering of the original [Strong’s G516], [Strong’s G5120], [Strong’s G2316], by which the antecedent to the possessive pronoun his, in the next verse, becomes immediately apparent. “In a manner worthy of God, and of your relations and obligations to Him, and such as He can approve.” 1Th 2:12
do well: Gen 4:7, Jon 4:4, Mat 25:21-23, Act 15:29, Phi 4:14, 1Pe 2:20
Reciprocal: Gen 18:16 – to bring Jdg 8:5 – loaves Ezr 1:4 – let the men Act 13:3 – they sent Act 14:26 – recommended Act 28:15 – when 1Co 16:6 – that ye 1Co 16:11 – but 2Pe 1:19 – ye do
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
3Jn 1:6. Have borne witness was done by the brethren mentioned in the preceding verse. They seem to have been traveling from place to place, or some of them were, which gave them an opportunity for making the report to John referred to. Gaius assisted these travelers in some way for their journey. After a godly sort means it was in the name of God and because of their work for Him.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Verse 6
Before the church; that is, as it would seem, before the church over which John presided, which is generally supposed to have been the church at Ephesus.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
1:6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou {c} bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
(c) He commends to Gaius, either those same men whom he had entertained before returning to him, about the affairs of the Church, or else some other who had similar business.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The church in view was John’s church, probably in Ephesus. "You will do well to" is an idiom that we could translate "Please." John urged Gaius to continue his commendable treatment of visitors. He could do so during their stay with him and when they departed by sending them on their way with adequate provisions (cf. Act 15:3; Act 20:38; Act 21:5; Rom 15:24; 1Co 16:6; Tit 3:13).
"The point is still relevant. Christian ministers and missionaries live in the faith that God will encourage his people to provide for their needs; it is better that such provision err on the side of generosity than stinginess." [Note: I. Howard Marshall, The Epistles of John, p. 86.]
"Always and everywhere that man is to be highly esteemed in the Church, who combines firm convictions with a generous heart." [Note: Donald Fraser, Synoptical Lectures on the Books of Holy Scripture, Romans-Revelation, p. 243.]