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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - 3 John 1:12 - 1:12
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Demetrius hath the witness of all men (Dēmētriōi memarturētai hupo pantōn). Perfect passive indicative of martureō, “it has been witnessed to Demetrius (dative case) by all.” We know nothing else about him, unless, as is unlikely, he be identified with Demas as a shortened form (Phm 1:24; Col 4:4; 2Ti 4:10), who has come back after his desertion or with the Ephesian silversmith (Act 19:21.), who may have been converted under John’s ministry, which one would like to believe, though there is no evidence for it. He may indeed be the bearer of this letter from Ephesus to Gaius and may also have come under suspicion for some reason and hence John’s warm commendation.
And of the truth itself (kai hupo autēs tēs alētheias). A second commendation of Demetrius. It is possible, in view of 1Jo 5:6 (the Spirit is the truth), that John means the Holy Spirit and not a mere personification of the truth.
Yea we also (kai hēmeis de). A third witness to Demetrius, that is John himself (literary plural).
Thou knowest (oidas). “The words in Joh 21:24 sound like an echo of this sentence” (Westcott). John knew Demetrius well in Ephesus.