3 John 1:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The one who loves in truth is the one who loves in the Lord. The Apostle writes this Epistle in order to praise certain brethren. He writes to Gaius, of whom he bears witness that he receives many strangers, and for this he gives him great praise. For "he who does good," he says, "is of God" (3 Jn 1:11). He encourages him still more by disapproving of Diotrephes, who does not wish to act in this way. He praises Demetrius, who acts in the same manner as Gaius, and gives trustworthy witness to his virtue. "As your soul prospers" means that it prospers in life according to the Gospel.

"That you may be in health," that is, that you may remain in good work.

"As your soul prospers," that is, it prospers in deeds according to the Gospel.

I sincerely desire, he says, and I turn to God for this in frequent prayers, that you may bring to a good end what you are prospering in. Since your soul, that is, the inward intention of your mind, is now in a favorable state, advancing in your works of mercy, you are rich both in the goodness of a generous spirit and in monetary means. You give these to the needy, and with the Lord's help you are always able to lead a life full of virtues.

"In all things I pray for you, that you may prosper and be in health." The Apostle not only wishes Gaius success in everything, but also prays to God to grant him success. By this greeting the Apostle teaches all Christians to precede or accompany their good wishes for their neighbors with prayer to God. Is it not, indeed, because we usually forget God, the source of all blessings and every success, that our most sincere good wishes and congratulations so often turn into empty phrases of conventional courtesy? We do not ask Him that our good wishes for our neighbors may be fulfilled in reality.

"I pray that you may be in health": this is the usual greeting, a wish for health aided by prayer. It does not indicate that Gaius was ill at the time when the Apostle wrote to him. "That you may prosper in all things" means that he may have blessed success in all his affairs, whether worldly, domestic, or public. The Apostle wishes that he may prosper in all such and similar matters as, and to the degree that, his soul prospers in the virtues, in walking according to the truth, in fidelity to the truth (v. 3), in life according to Gospel truth, and in spiritual perfection.

As a greeting, the Apostle expresses to Gaius a wish for health. This was especially needed for carrying out the service he had undertaken toward strangers. It was also needed so that the qualities of his soul might be expressed in all their fullness and influence upon those around him.