3 John 1:2

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.

Study Bible

Beloved
The term "beloved" (Greek: ἀγαπητέ, agapete) is a form of the word "agape," which signifies a deep, selfless, and unconditional love. This word is often used in the New Testament to express the profound love that God has for His people and that believers are to have for one another. In this context, the Apostle John is addressing Gaius, a fellow believer, with a term of endearment that reflects the Christian community's bond. It reminds us of the familial love that should characterize the Church, rooted in the love of Christ.

I pray
The Greek word for "pray" here is εὔχομαι (euchomai), which conveys a sense of earnest desire or wish. This reflects the early Christian practice of intercessory prayer, where believers would regularly pray for one another's spiritual and physical well-being. It underscores the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian, not just as a ritual, but as a heartfelt communication with God, seeking His will and blessings for others.

that in every way
This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of John's prayer. The Greek word for "every" is πᾶς (pas), meaning all-encompassing or complete. John is expressing a desire for Gaius to experience prosperity and health in all aspects of life, not limited to spiritual matters but extending to physical and material well-being. This reflects the holistic view of human flourishing in the biblical worldview, where God cares for the entirety of a person's life.

you may prosper
The word "prosper" (Greek: εὐοδόω, euodoo) means to succeed or to have a good journey. In the ancient world, this term was often used in the context of travel or business ventures. Here, it signifies a broader sense of thriving and success in life. From a conservative Christian perspective, true prosperity is not merely material wealth but includes spiritual richness and alignment with God's purposes.

and be in good health
The Greek word for "health" is ὑγιαίνω (hygiainein), which means to be sound or whole. This reflects the biblical understanding that physical health is a blessing from God and is to be sought and maintained. The early church recognized the importance of caring for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing a balanced life that honors God through physical well-being.

just as your soul prospers
The phrase "just as" (Greek: καθώς, kathos) indicates a comparison or correlation. John is drawing a parallel between Gaius's spiritual state and his physical and material well-being. The prosperity of the soul (Greek: ψυχή, psyche) refers to spiritual health, growth, and maturity in Christ. This highlights the priority of spiritual prosperity, suggesting that a thriving soul is foundational to experiencing God's blessings in other areas of life. It serves as a reminder that spiritual growth and alignment with God's will are paramount in the life of a believer.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of the letter, traditionally identified as John the Apostle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples. He is writing to a beloved friend, Gaius.

2. Gaius
The recipient of the letter, a faithful Christian who is commended for his hospitality and support of fellow believers.

3. The Early Church
The context of the letter is the early Christian community, where hospitality and support for traveling teachers and missionaries were crucial.

Teaching Points

Holistic Well-being
The verse emphasizes the importance of holistic well-being, including physical health, prosperity, and spiritual health. As Christians, we should seek balance in these areas, understanding that our spiritual health can influence other aspects of our lives.

Prayer for Others
John's prayer for Gaius serves as a model for us to pray for the comprehensive well-being of others. We should regularly intercede for our friends and family, asking God to bless them in all areas of life.

Prosperity in Context
The Greek word for "prosper" (euodo?) implies success in reaching a goal or journey. This suggests that true prosperity is aligned with God's purposes and plans for our lives, not merely material wealth.

Spiritual Health as a Priority
The phrase "just as your soul prospers" indicates that spiritual health is foundational. We should prioritize our relationship with God, knowing that it impacts every other area of our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of prosperity in 3 John 1:2 differ from the modern understanding of prosperity?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our spiritual health is thriving, and how might this impact our physical and material well-being?

3. How can we incorporate prayers for holistic well-being into our daily prayer life for others?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to align our goals with God's purposes, as suggested by the original Greek meaning of "prosper"?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Philippians 4:19 and Proverbs 3:7-8, enhance our understanding of God's provision and care for our well-being?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Philippians 4:19
This verse speaks of God supplying all needs according to His riches, which connects to the idea of prospering in every way.

1 Thessalonians 5:23
This verse discusses sanctification and being kept blameless, relating to the holistic well-being of body, soul, and spirit.

Proverbs 3:7-8
These verses emphasize health and nourishment coming from fearing the Lord and turning away from evil, paralleling the wish for good health in 3 John 1:2.