above all things - Greek, “concerning all things”: so Alford: in all respects. But Wahl justifies English Version (compare 1Pe 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 (3Jo 1:3) that Gaius was in bad health, and was tried in other ways (3Jo 1:10), to which the wish, 3Jo 1:2, refers.