3 John 1:12

Demetrius Commended

12 Demetrius has been testified to by all, even by the truth itself. And we also testify [to him], and you know that our testimony is true.

3 John 1:12 Meaning and Commentary

3 John 1:12

Demetrius hath good report of all [men],
This man was of a quite different cast from Diotrephes, and therefore the apostle makes mention of him to Gaius, to be followed by him, and not the other; he was either the same with Demas, which is a contraction of this name, or the person that John sent from Ephesus with this letter: we read of an Ephesian of this name, ( Acts 19:24 ) ; though not the same person; or else one that also was a member of the same church with Gaius and Diotrephes; and he being kind and beneficent, obtained a good report of the generality of men, not only of the brethren, but of those that were without; for a liberal man is universally respected. The Syriac version adds, "and of the church itself"; as distinct from all men, or the generality of the men of the world:

and of the truth itself;
that is, whoever speaks truth must give him a good character, for this cannot be understood with any propriety of the Gospel, nor of Jesus Christ:

yea, and we also bear record;
or a testimony to the character of Demetrius; that is, I, John, the apostle, and the saints at Ephesus:

and ye know that our record is true;
faithful, and to be depended upon. The Alexandrian copy, and several others, read, "thou knowest", as does also the Vulgate Latin version, which seems most agreeable, since this epistle is directed to a single person; compare this with ( John 19:35 ) ; and it will give a further proof of this epistle being the Apostle John's.

3 John 1:12 In-Context

10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to {the deeds he is doing}, disparaging us with evil words. And not being content with these, he does not receive the brothers himself, and he hinders those wanting [to do so] and throws [them] out of the church.

11 Dear friend, do not imitate [what is] evil, but [what is] good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

12 Demetrius has been testified to by all, even by the truth itself. And we also testify [to him], and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I have many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you by means of ink and pen.

14 But I hope to see you right away, and to speak {face to face}.