“3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.” Here the main word is truth. Truth is not that we know and understand, it is that we live by the will of God, that we become his sons or bride. Next verse is connected since not only him, but also the group that he is with those who live in the truth. 2 John 1: 2-5, they are living by and in God. It is the will of the Father, and it is the commandment of the Father and Jesus.

“4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” Why he calls them as his children? Look at 1 Corinthians 4:15.

“5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;” That is, he was very honest, and there was no politics or business; not like our present-day churches. “2 Corinthians 4:1-3. We must be the same with all. But ungodly people will accuse us anyway.

“6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:” Always remember that charity is not big money donation to organizations, but it is to spend our lives to earn souls. Apostles, especially Paul, always travel and visit believers. Here, do well may show this in Matthew 25: 21-23. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

“7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.” In this verse, the charity refers to money also, however, it is to save new souls even from gentiles. They did not accept any offering from the gentiles and so, when they come to you treat them generously with that in mind.

“8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” In verse 10, some guys do just the opposite; let us see it. “10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.” Matthew 10:14, 40-42. Those who do not receive are rejected by God, and those who receive them has received God. “1 Corinthians 3:5-9, 16:10&11.” Despite what do they do. But not everyone, but many workers in most ministries are as 1 Corinthians 5:1-5.

“9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.” It is sad and pathetic; John was the beloved apostle of Jesus! Do you know the present church situations? It is the same. Titus 1:7-16.  

“11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” Beloved refers to Gaius. Paul cautions even him. John 3:19-21, 1 Peter 3:10-12, 1 John 2:29, 3:6-9.

“12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.” There was another Demetrius, who was a silversmith, who made statues for Diana. But this Demetrius is a man of God. There are many righteous men in the bible, we may be also. John always says that his record is true. John 19:35. Look how much Jesus loved: John 21:21-24.  

“13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:” He writes the same thing in 2 John 1:12 also. Such things are sincerely true.

“14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.” We speak face to face simply means that they will talk in person soon. It is ending the letter with salute.