Verse 1.  The Ancient, to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.


This is the third epistle of John, the author of which was the Apostle John, not John the Elder, as some have imagined.  This is evident from the similarity of language and affection.  And he writes, namely to Gaius of Corinth, instructing him about the works of charity, and admonishing them that they may persevere in charity.  But this letter differs from the two preceding.  Because in the first letter he dealt with both the love for God and our neighbor.  In the second letter he wrote specifically about the love for God.  Here he also speaks specifically, but concerning the love for our neighbor.  This is his method of behavior.  Because he offers his greetings first.  Secondly he gives his godly affection, where he says (verse 3), 'I was exceedingly glad.'  Thirdly he continues his kindness, just as he has began, to continue comforting, where he says (verse 2), Dearly beloved, you have been faithful.  Fourthly he sets down his reason for writing, where he says (verse 9), I had written perhaps to the church. 

He says, therefore, Ancient, that is, I am older in age, or in morals, or in wisdom, or dignity, for the word ancient is presbyter in Greek, and senior in Latin.  To Gaius, of whom he writes.  This man is said to have been Gajus of Corinth, of whom it was written in 1 Corinthians 1:14, 'that I baptized none of you but Crispus and Gaius.'  And in the last section of the book of Romans (16:23), 'Gaius, my host, and the whole church salutes you.'  As the Gloss says, 'he was received through faith and placed in the office of hospitality, and as a host for preachers.  Of whom he loved in truth, unfeigned.'  And the Gloss says, 'It is not for the sake of temporal goods, but for the sake of eternal things.'



Verse 2. Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that you may proceed prosperously and fare well, as your soul does prosperously.


He calls him dearly beloved,  because he was most dear to him, and with good reason, because he was devoted to works of love.  Concerning all things, as the Gloss adds, 'In all you do.'  My prayer, for the Gloss adds, 'This is a frequent prayer to the Lord in hope, so that you do well to accomplish it.'  Similar to what Romans 1:9 says, 'that without ceasing I make a commemoration of you.'  And the superior is taught here that he should always pray for those under him.  That you may proceed prosperously, the Gloss says, 'from good to better.' Certainly the righteous man is called to advance, for the purpose of signifying that a man, no matter how good he is, should always consider advancing and establishing, and not in stopping.  As to say with the Psalmist (76:11), 'Now have I begun: this is the change.'  And Sirach 18:6 says, 'When a man is done, then shall he begin.'  And farewell in your spiritual life.  As, that is to say, in such a way that your soul is prospering.  For the Gloss adds, 'Advancing in the work of the soul.'  Another gloss says, 'So that you be strong in your body just as you are strong in your soul.'  He desires for him the good things concerning the prosperity of the soul, not the things which are against the soul.  Of which Proverbs 1:32 says, 'the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.'



Verse 3. I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony to the truth in you, even as you walk in the truth.


Here he shows affection for him. First, from the joy of his fame.  Secondly the magnitude of joy, thus saying (verse 4), greater grace.  He says, therefore, glad, in such a way: for you I pray, but also I have been glad with spiritual gladness, not just exceedingly physical gladness, because joy is both interior and exterior.  The brethren came, for the Gloss adds, 'to you.'  Brethren, the Gloss adds 'pilgrims.'  Gave testimony to the truth in you.  For the Gloss says, 'True love which does not cease from work.'  For the truth testimony is rendered.  For John 18:37 says, 'for this I came into the world; that I should give testimony to the truth.'  Even as you walk in the truth.  For the Gloss adds, 'So carefully render testimony, because you are a student of good works.'  And I am exceedingly glad.



Verse 4. I have no greater grace than this, to hear that my children walk in truth.

Greater grace. The Gloss adds, 'That came to me.'