| Chapter 1
Chapter Outline
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.(1–8)
Cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit; but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character.(9–12)
He hopes soon to see Gaius.(13, 14)
Verses 1–8
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.
Verses 9–12
Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.
Verses 13, 14
Here is the character of Demetrius. A name in the gospel, or a good report in the churches, is better than worldly honour. Few are well spoken of by all; and sometimes it is ill to be so. Happy those whose spirit and conduct commend them before God and men. We must be ready to bear our testimony to them; and it is well when those who commend, can appeal to the consciences of such as know most of those who are commended. A personal conversation together often spares time and trouble, and mistakes which rise from letters; and good Christians may well be glad to see one another. The blessing is, Peace be to you; all happiness attend you. Those may well salute and greet one another on earth, who hope to live together in heaven. By associating with and copying the example of such Christians, we shall have peace within, and live at peace with the brethren; our communications with the Lord's people on earth will be pleasing, and we shall be numbered with them in glory everlasting.
|
版权所有归17191164主内翻译事工群
--【译】何叶-【校】陈传道-【编】何叶2012年7月24日(二)22:30(CST)
第一章
章节大纲
第1-8节 使徒称赞该犹的虔敬和盛情。
第9-12节 使徒告诫该犹不要和好为首的丢特腓站到了同一条线上，并推荐许低米丢具有出类拔萃的优秀品质。
第13-14节 他希望尽快拜访该犹。
第1-8节
凡爱基督的，就会为主的名爱弟兄。灵魂的兴盛是从天而来的上好福分。恩典和健壮丰丰满满相伴相随。恩典使用健壮。可能上帝安排兴盛的灵魂寄居在软弱的躯体上；那么上帝也必使恩典按神的心意，在顺服中受训。不过，我们可以祈祷那些灵魂兴盛的，身体也健康；祈祷他们所得着的恩典熠熠闪光，得神赐下更多的健康和活力。然而，与使徒所述情况相反的人何其多啊——他们身体健壮但灵魂腐坏，我们必须恒切祷告他们灵魂兴盛，一如他们身体安康、环境顺利！真信心凭爱心产生果效。得着上帝恩惠之人做美好的见证是应该的；他们须得对教会见证他们的所历所感。正直的人会因他人灵魂兴盛而激动不已，也乐于听闻他人的恩典和善良。看见自己的孩子扛起自己的事奉，这对顺服的家长来说甚是欣慰，对忠心的牧师而言真乃天福。该犹不去看敬虔的基督徒之间的细微区别，而是无偿地帮扶所有领受异象、为基督作工的人。在他所做的这一切事上，他是正直的，是满有信心的仆人。有信心的灵魂无需别人吹捧自能听到发自肺腑的称赞；而这些对于他们心地善良的称许，就将他们安置在了被钉十字架的基督的脚前。基督徒该考虑的不仅是自己当做什么，还有自己能做什么；哪怕是生命和心灵中平常的行为，属神的族类，事奉内住的神，彰显神的荣耀。神使一些人去帮助他人，白白认识基督福音。而那些自己不能传讲自己所领受的，则可以接待、援助和鼓励传福音的工人。
第9-12节
要防备人心生歹意也要警惕人口吐恶言。丢特腓的脾气心性充斥着张扬跋扈。自己不行善本就可恶，禁止别人行善则更为可憎。对于情真意切的忠告和劝诫，众人是易于接受的。效法善的，因其所行为善，并以行善为乐，便是从神生的。行恶的又伪装又吹嘘自己认识神。尽管也许有人位高权重，是世人的榜样，但却骄傲自私动机不纯，我们切莫效尤；而应跟随神，行走在爱里，效法我们的主耶稣。
第13-14节
且让我们看看丢特腓那副德性。福音中的名声，或者说教会里的好见证，远远胜过世间的尊荣。善行鲜有受到一致好评的，反倒是作恶往往遭到同仇敌忾。那些因内心和外行在神和人面前都得到称赞的，真是幸运之至。我们要乐于对他们做见证；当人称赞时，闻者对受赞者听得越多，那么其良心就越能受到感染，这是极好的。一次面对面的倾心交谈，常常节省了时间、解决了麻烦，也消除了信中的误解；忠心的基督徒该是很乐意见到彼此的。在信的最后便是祝福：愿平安加给你；一切喜事都伴随你。凡盼望一起进到天国的，都应当在地上彼此问安祝福。与这样的基督徒相交，效仿他们的榜样，我们自己不仅可以内里平安，还能与弟兄们同享平安；我们与主的子民在地上的相交总是很惬意的，最终我们将与众圣徒一起列队进到永远的荣耀里。
|