John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. I have no greater joy , etc] Nothing that causes greater joy. The Vulgate Latin version reads grace or thanks; and then the sense is, that he had nothing to be more thankful for: than to hear that my children walk in truth ; meaning his spiritual children, those whose conversion he had been the instrument of; and among these it seems Gaius was one.
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
μειζοτεραν 3186 A-ASF τουτων 5130 D-GPN ουκ 3756 PRT-N εχω 2192 5719 V-PAI-1S χαραν 5479 N-ASF ινα 2443 CONJ ακουω 191 5725 V-PAS-1S τα 3588 T-APN εμα 1699 S-1APN τεκνα 5043 N-APN εν 1722 PREP αληθεια 225 N-DSF περιπατουντα 4043 5723 V-PAP-ASM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. Joy (caran). The texts vary; some reading carin grace or favor from God, on which see 2 John 3. Note the Greek order: greater joy than this have I not.My children (ta ema tekna). Lit., mine own children.
Walk (peripatounta). Rev., rightly, walking. The participle expresses something habitual.
