3 John 1:2
Verse
Context
A Greeting from the Elder
1The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:2Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.3For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I wish above all things - Περι παντων ευχομαι· Above all things I pray that thou mayest prosper, and be in health, και ὑγιαινειν· to which one MS. adds εν αληθεια, which gives it a different meaning, viz., that thou mayest be sound in the truth. The prayer of St. John for Caius includes three particulars: 1. Health of body; 2. Health of soul; and 3. Prosperity in secular affairs. That thou mayest Prosper and be in Health, as thy Soul Prospereth. These three things, so necessary to the comfort of life, every Christian may in a certain measure expect, and for them every Christian is authorized to pray; and we should have more of all three if we devoutly prayed for them. It appears from the last clause that the soul of Caius was in a very prosperous state.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
above all things--Greek, "concerning all things": so ALFORD: in all respects. But WAHL justifies English Version (compare Pe1 4:8). Of course, since his soul's prosperity is presupposed, "above all things" does not imply that John wishes Gaius' bodily health above that of his soul, but as the first object to be desired next after spiritual health. I know you are prospering in the concerns of your soul. I wish you similar prosperity in your body. Perhaps John had heard from the brethren (Jo3 1:3) that Gaius was in bad health, and was tried in other ways (Jo3 1:10), to which the wish, Jo3 1:2, refers. prosper--in general. be in health--in particular.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper,.... Or succeed in all temporal affairs, in the business of life, in which he was; and as success of this sort depends upon the blessing of God, which maketh rich, it is to be wished and prayed for from him: and be in health; that is, of body, which above all things above all outward mercies, is the most desirable; for without this, what are the richest dainties, the largest possessions, or the best of friends? without this there can be no comfortable enjoyment of either of them; and therefore of this sort of mercies, it is in the first place, and above all others, to be wished for, and desired by one friend for another. The rule and measure of this wish is according to the prosperity of his soul, even as thy soul prospereth: the soul is diseased with sin, and may be said to be in good health, when all its iniquities are forgiven; and may be said to prosper, when having a spiritual appetite for the Gospel, the sincere milk of the word, it feeds upon it, is nourished by it, and grows thereby; when it is in the lively exercise of faith, hope, and love; when spiritual knowledge is increased, or it grows in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ Jesus; when the inward man is renewed day by day with fresh strength; and when it enjoys communion with God, has the light of his countenance, and the joys of his salvation; and when it is fruitful in every good work.
3 John 1:2
A Greeting from the Elder
1The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:2Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.3For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Partnering With Jesus: Faith for Supernatural Increase in Finances (Pt. 2)
By Mike Bickle2453:58Faith and FinancesGenerosityPSA 37:25PRO 11:25MAL 3:10MAT 6:21MRK 11:23LUK 6:38ROM 10:172CO 9:6PHP 4:193JN 1:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of partnering with Jesus in faith for supernatural financial increase, sharing personal testimonies of God's provision that demonstrate His faithfulness. He encourages believers to engage in a relational dialogue with God, trusting in His promises and actively participating in the process of giving and receiving. Bickle highlights that God delights in cheerful givers and desires to bless those who are generous, framing financial prosperity as a means to further the Kingdom of God. He stresses the need for intentional faith and the development of a history with God in the realm of finances, assuring that God will respond to our faith-filled actions. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a commitment to a lifestyle of generosity that reflects God's nature as the ultimate giver.
Encountering the Father Heart of God: A Vision to Go Deep in God
By Mike Bickle2448:54The Father Heart of GodIntimacy With GodPSA 27:4MAT 22:37MRK 12:30JHN 15:9ROM 8:15EPH 3:171JN 4:193JN 1:2REV 15:2REV 21:3Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of encountering the Father heart of God, inviting believers to experience intimacy with God as their loving Father. He highlights that this relationship is not just a duty but a joyful exchange of love, where understanding God's love for us empowers us to love Him back wholeheartedly. Bickle encourages believers to shift their focus from seeking material blessings to nurturing a deep, affectionate relationship with God, which will ultimately lead to a more fruitful and joyful Christian life. He stresses that true obedience flows from love, not obligation, and that every believer has access to this profound experience of God's love through the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle John: His Threefold Spiritual Identity
By Mike Bickle1458:57Spiritual RenewalIdentity in ChristGEN 15:1PSA 139:14MRK 3:17JHN 15:9JHN 17:23JHN 21:20ROM 8:38EPH 3:171JN 4:193JN 1:2Mike Bickle discusses the transformative journey of the Apostle John, emphasizing his evolution from a 'son of thunder' marked by pride to the 'apostle of love' through encounters with God's heart. Bickle highlights the common struggles of believers today, such as burnout and spiritual dullness, and stresses the importance of having a kingdom mindset to experience spiritual renewal. He illustrates how John's identity as the 'disciple whom Jesus loved' reflects a deep understanding of God's love and the necessity of leaning into that love for spiritual growth. The sermon encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God as their primary reward, rather than secondary blessings, and to boldly seek the secrets of God's heart.
A Kind Inquiry
By James Smith02SA 20:9PSA 41:4PSA 107:20PRO 4:23ISA 53:5JER 17:9HEB 12:13JAS 5:161PE 2:243JN 1:2James Smith preaches on the deceitful nature of kind words from cruel hearts, using the treacherous act of Joab towards Amasa as an example. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual health over physical health, highlighting the need for Christians to inquire about each other's well-being in a genuine and loving manner. Smith delves into the spiritual relationship among believers, encouraging self-examination to ensure a healthy spiritual state by assessing desires, speech, prayer life, affections, and actions.
All Hail
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual ProsperityHealthEXO 15:26PSA 30:2PRO 4:20ISA 53:5JER 29:11MAT 28:91TH 5:23JAS 5:151PE 2:243JN 1:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound meaning behind the greeting 'All Hail' spoken by Jesus to His disciples on the resurrection morning. This greeting is not just a simple salutation but a prayer for health and well-being, reflecting Christ's desire for His followers to prosper in both body and spirit. Simpson connects this message to the idea that true health encompasses more than physical wellness, resonating with the apostle John's wish for Gaius. The sermon encourages believers to embrace this promise of health and wholeness as part of their faith journey. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of Christ's compassionate care for His children.
The Lord Our Healer - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead0EXO 15:22JAS 5:143JN 1:2Paris Reidhead preaches on the theme of Jehovah Rapha, The Lord our Healer, emphasizing the foundational principle that God desires for His people to prosper and be in health as their souls prosper. He challenges the tendency to escape clear implications of God's Word and highlights the importance of understanding Biblical principles in relation to healing. Reidhead explores various means of obtaining healing, including childlike prayer, group prayer, the word of authority, the gift of healing, the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil, all while emphasizing the sovereignty of God in the healing process.
According to the Power That Worketh in Us
By A.B. Simpson0Divine PowerIndwelling of the Holy SpiritMAT 6:33JHN 7:38ROM 8:111CO 2:9GAL 2:20EPH 3:20PHP 4:13COL 1:272PE 1:33JN 1:2A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in achieving union with God, which leads to an inheritance of blessings and prosperity in health and spirit. He explains that as we allow God's power to work within us, we become a source of attraction for those seeking hope and healing. Simpson encourages believers to recognize and embrace the indwelling glory of Christ, which empowers them to live fully and glorify God. The sermon highlights the importance of internal spiritual strength as the foundation for external blessings.
Holiness and the Sanctification of the Body
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Sanctification of the BodyHolinessJOB 31:1PRO 4:23MAT 5:8ROM 12:11CO 3:161CO 6:191CO 9:25EPH 4:291TH 5:233JN 1:2Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the profound truth that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to sanctify their entire being—body, soul, and spirit—for God's glory. He highlights the importance of presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, dedicating each part to the Lord, and guarding our senses against worldly distractions that can lead us away from holiness. Brengle illustrates how our eyes, ears, tongues, and hands should be used for God's purposes, encouraging a lifestyle of purity and service. He calls for a commitment to maintain our bodies in a way that honors God, reflecting on the discipline required to achieve this. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to prove their love for Jesus by surrendering their whole selves to Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I wish above all things - Περι παντων ευχομαι· Above all things I pray that thou mayest prosper, and be in health, και ὑγιαινειν· to which one MS. adds εν αληθεια, which gives it a different meaning, viz., that thou mayest be sound in the truth. The prayer of St. John for Caius includes three particulars: 1. Health of body; 2. Health of soul; and 3. Prosperity in secular affairs. That thou mayest Prosper and be in Health, as thy Soul Prospereth. These three things, so necessary to the comfort of life, every Christian may in a certain measure expect, and for them every Christian is authorized to pray; and we should have more of all three if we devoutly prayed for them. It appears from the last clause that the soul of Caius was in a very prosperous state.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
above all things--Greek, "concerning all things": so ALFORD: in all respects. But WAHL justifies English Version (compare Pe1 4:8). Of course, since his soul's prosperity is presupposed, "above all things" does not imply that John wishes Gaius' bodily health above that of his soul, but as the first object to be desired next after spiritual health. I know you are prospering in the concerns of your soul. I wish you similar prosperity in your body. Perhaps John had heard from the brethren (Jo3 1:3) that Gaius was in bad health, and was tried in other ways (Jo3 1:10), to which the wish, Jo3 1:2, refers. prosper--in general. be in health--in particular.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper,.... Or succeed in all temporal affairs, in the business of life, in which he was; and as success of this sort depends upon the blessing of God, which maketh rich, it is to be wished and prayed for from him: and be in health; that is, of body, which above all things above all outward mercies, is the most desirable; for without this, what are the richest dainties, the largest possessions, or the best of friends? without this there can be no comfortable enjoyment of either of them; and therefore of this sort of mercies, it is in the first place, and above all others, to be wished for, and desired by one friend for another. The rule and measure of this wish is according to the prosperity of his soul, even as thy soul prospereth: the soul is diseased with sin, and may be said to be in good health, when all its iniquities are forgiven; and may be said to prosper, when having a spiritual appetite for the Gospel, the sincere milk of the word, it feeds upon it, is nourished by it, and grows thereby; when it is in the lively exercise of faith, hope, and love; when spiritual knowledge is increased, or it grows in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ Jesus; when the inward man is renewed day by day with fresh strength; and when it enjoys communion with God, has the light of his countenance, and the joys of his salvation; and when it is fruitful in every good work.