Matthew Henry

3-4

Good witness is given of Gaius, to the reality of his faith, and the sincerity of his devotion to God. This witness came because his works testified to the faith at their root. "A good report is due from those who have received good." This witness was given before the church, for reasons not stated. Perhaps it was simply the fulness of their heart speaking out. Perhaps their prayers for Gaius were akin to John's in hope of his persevering as such a friend of God.

 

 

Adam Clarke

3

The brethren would appear to have been traveling evangelists. The truth in Gaius was the soundness of his faith and depth of his religion.

4

John's use of 'children' might imply that Gaius was one of his own converts. On the other hand, it could simply refer to any and all under his pastoral care - to his juniors in age or grace.

 

 

Barnes

3

Perhaps the brethren referred to were those of Gaius' church come to visit John. Or perhaps they were of John's church and had been the bearers of that previous letter he refers to. As such, they would have been personally rejected by Diotrephes, and accommodated by Gaius, giving them good reason to testify to his kindness. The testimony of Gaius' truth is all the more wonderful given the errors that abounded in his own area, where false teachers appear to have had better greeting than true. His life is ordered according to the truth of Scripture to which he holds, as it was with Kyria's children (2Jn 4).

4

The language John uses in expressing his joy suggests that he writes to one he personally brought to faith, and who would tend to look up to him as a father. This is so for all ministers, that their joy comes of seeing their charges persevering even in their absence. It is equally the case for Christian parents, that nothing can please them more than that their children continue in the faith. The greatest joy a child can bring his parents while at home is to become a Christian; when gone from home, that his faith is decided and firm. "There is nothing that would give more peace to the dying pillow of the Christian parent, than to be able to leave the world with the assurance that his children would always walk in truth."

 

 

Wycliffe

3-4

The reports were not a one time thing, but several. His faith was proven by both his soundness in doctrine and integrity in his walk. There is the implication that he had stood firm against false teachings. John's joy in hearing of this could not be beat.

 

 

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

3

The truth testified to is the share of that truth in which he walked. This is in stark contrast to Diotrephes.

4

"Children" are members of the Church. This confirms the idea that 2 John was written to a church, not a person. [Then why not this one? If Lady, why not Lord?]

 

 

New Thoughts (4/24/00)

That statement of Matthew Henry's is one I need to recall over and over again as I head this family. When I am blessed by these that surround me, it is my obligation to share it not only with them, but with others. I need also to be applying this to those of our church, noting how they have blessed me and mine. Again, this ought not just be to them personally, but to the church in general, and even outside the church. God, help me to celebrate the good I see in those about me. Help me to become a deliverer of praises rather than a grumbler over shortcomings. I have grown to be way too quick with the cynical shot, or the complaint, and never seem to find the "right time" to speak a good word. I suppose that at root it's something that grew out of self-defense when I was younger, but in the end the cause is not the interesting thing, the cure is. So I come to my Healer, my Physician, and I say Lord, help me to put aside these foolish defenses. They never protected anything, anyway. And now, they just impede my growth; keep me from going into the new places You long to take me to. Tear down these walls, oh God! Too long I've separated myself ever so carefully from anybody and everybody. Too long, the clown has been my defense, the sharp word my offense. Lord, I don't want to be in these false battles anymore. It leaves me without strength for the real battle. Help me to let it all go.