John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came , etc] From the place where Gaius lived, to that where John now resided; these brethren seem to be preachers of the word, who travelled from place to place to spread the Gospel: and testified of the truth that is in thee ; either of Christ, who was formed in him; or of the Gospel, which had a place in his heart; or of the truth of grace that was in him, as well as of that faithfulness, integrity, and sincerity he appeared to be possessed of, being an Israelite indeed, and without guile: even as thou walkest in the truth : in Christ, and in the Gospel, and as became it, and with all uprightness; (see 2 John 1:4); and this occasioned great joy in the apostle; as it is matter of joy to every one that truly loves Christ, and his Gospel; or has the true grace of charity in him, which envies not the gifts and graces of others, but rejoiceth in the truth, wherever it is found; and especially to the faithful ministers of the word, when they hear of the truth of grace in any souls, and that such continue walking in the truth of the Gospel, and particularly those who have been wrought upon under their ministry, as follows.
Matthew Henry Commentary
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 an health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul ma be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised i submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that thos who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grac may shine where there is still more room for activity. How man professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, a their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A goo report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testif 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 an goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freel helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He wa upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hea 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. Christian should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; an should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those wh freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to who God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may ye receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
Greek Textus Receptus
εχαρην 5463 5644 V-2AOI-1S γαρ 1063 CONJ λιαν 3029 ADV ερχομενων 2064 5740 V-PNP-GPM αδελφων 80 N-GPM και 2532 CONJ μαρτυρουντων 3140 5723 V-PAP-GPM σου 4675 P-2GS τη 3588 T-DSF αληθεια 225 N-DSF καθως 2531 ADV συ 4771 P-2NS εν 1722 PREP αληθεια 225 N-DSF περιπατεις 4043 5719 V-PAI-2S
Vincent's NT Word Studies
3. Rejoiced greatly. See on 2 John 4.Brethren came (ercomenwn adelfwn). Lit., coming. The present participle denotes coming from time to time, and not coming on a single occasion, which would require the aorist. On brethren, see on 1 John ii. 9. Thou walkest in truth. See on 1 John i. 8. for the phrase walk in, see on 2 John 6. Thou is emphatic, suggesting a contrast with less faithful ones, as Diotrephes, ver. 9.
