Matthew Henry

11

Having shown the bad example, John encourages Gaius to rather choose to follow good examples. Such reminders are still needed by the godly, becoming more easily acceptable when salted with love. Practice of goodness (habitual in nature) is evidence of filial relation to God. Practice of evil (also habitual in nature) is sure indication that - confessions to the contrary notwithstanding - the practitioner has never become truly acquainted with God.

12

Better even than a good report regarding one's children is a good report of one's own character. Demetrius was such a one, his integrity being spoken of by all. Not only amongst men was his reputation good, but with God also. It is good to bear testimony to the good. It is cause for greater commendation, when such testimony can appeal to the good man's closest friends to confirm the general view of the man.

 

 

Adam Clarke

11

As opposed to the example of Diotrephes, rather be merciful, loving, and kind. Confession doesn't show the man, but rather actions. The doer of good is good. The doer of evil is evil, no matter what he may claim to the contrary. To be unfeeling, unmerciful, and unkind is to have no understanding of God's nature, which is love.

12

Demetrius may have been another member of Gaius' church, or perhaps one of those accompanying the letter. His character is most excellently attested to.

 

 

Barnes

11

John warns against following Diotrophes' example who, while being a man of influence, was not thereby a good man. Rather, Gaius is urged to further acts of generosity. In doing good, one shows resemblance to God who continually does good. (1Jn 3:7-10 - The righteous act righteously for His righteousness' sake. Those who do evil are of the devil. The good man will love his brother.)

12

Demetrius might have been either of the group bearing this letter, or of the church to which Gaius belonged. Either way, his reputation was excellent in both places. And even better than the opinions of men who can be deceived, his reputation was shown by the facts to be the true state of affairs. To this, John adds his personal testimony, knowing that Gaius will accept the truth of his words. John clearly felt his reputation to be such that all who knew him knew he would speak nothing but the truth to them. Such ought to be the character of every Christian! (Jn 19:35 - What he wrote of was true, being that which he personally had seen and heard. Jn 21:24 - His reputation, and the validity of his witness were a given to his readers.)

 

 

Wycliffe

11

The source of the good man's life is God, he is God's child, and imitates his master. (Ac 10:38 - Jesus was known for doing good, as God would have Him do.) The issue of hospitality was just a symptom of the general evil in Diotrephes' life. (1Jn 3:6 - Those who abide in God no longer sin by habit.)

12

Some suggest that this Demetrius is the one spoken of in Acts (Ac 19:24), but now converted. Whether this be so or not, his reputation is witnessed to by man, by the standards of Christianity, and by John himself.

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

11

Don't do as Diotrephes does, but rather imitate one such as Demetrius, whose actions show him to be born of God, who is good. Diotrephes, by his actions, shows that he has no spiritual understanding of God.

12

Demetrius was either a member of Gaius' church, or one of the letter bearers. All who knew him concurred that he was a good man. Their opinion was confirmed by the standard of the Gospel - his actions and habits aligning with those of godly men everywhere. (Jn 3:21 - The good man is attracted to being exposed by God, that the godly nature of his actions might be made known.) John, whose reputation is also good and well-known, adds his testimony to the rest.

 

 

New Thoughts (4/28/00)

I wonder if Demetrius felt himself to be as good as his reputation. So often, our opinions - especially with regard to ourselves - tend to be poorer than the perceptions of those who know us. Nobody but God knows our inner state better than we, and it tends to color the good that we do in our minds. God, I would that my reputation was like that of Demetrius. I would that my confidence in that reputation were like that of John. But my conscience tells me that I've a long way to go yet. I would that You would shorten that road, that You would help me to set aside the works of darkness completely. So quickly I slip into old habits. I thank You that more and more, I see it quickly and repent. But, oh, that the repentance were not so often needed! I know You love me, Lord, and I know I love You; for it pains me to realize how short I come of Your standard and example. God, help this temper, help this impatience, help this pride and arrogance that is me. It ought not to be so. Fill me, God, with Your abiding presence to the point that such nature is gone from me, and I can be as You intended. Overwhelm me, oh God, with Your goodness! Drive the darkness from within, and fill me with Your light. Cause me to be set free, oh Lord, to be as You desire me to be.