I. Greetings (1-4)

PLUS

I. Greetings (1-4)

1-2 Like 2 John, 3 John is more or less a brief postcard from the apostle. This one is written to his dear friend Gaius (v. 1), whom we can assume was probably a church leader. John prays that Gaius is prospering in every way and . . . in good health, just as [his] whole life is going well (v. 2). That latter phrase could also be translated “just as your soul prospers.”

Some people have wrongly tried to advocate a “prosperity gospel” using these verses. Now, God is not necessarily against prosperity and health. There’s nothing inherently evil in having money or being physically fit. Getting a raise at work and improving your fitness are fine. But these things are only beneficial “as your soul prospers.” Without a prospering soul—that is, without spiritual development—your motivations will be misplaced, and your health and wealth will leave you hollow.

3-4 How did John know that Gaius’s soul was prospering? Not because of any material benefits he had, but because fellow believers . . . testified to his fidelity to the truth. How do you measure your success in the Christian life? The measuring rod for your spiritual well-being is whether or not you are walking in truth—that is, whether you’re living by the standard of God’s Word (v. 3). Knowing that believers were walking in truth brought great joy to the apostle (v. 4), and it brings joy to God too.