Dear Friend:
I hope this letter finds you doing well both in health and in your spiritual growth.
In this blog we will examine a matter that I really had hoped would never be brought up, as there are several streams of thought on this topic.
Is 3 John 2 a promise intended for all of us to financially prosper?
3 John 2
: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.’Those who adhere to the “health and prosperity gospel,” misinterpret this verse to read as a scriptural promise that he (Gaius) will be financially prosperous.
This was a standard form of greeting in their day, much like peace be unto you.
The Greek word for “prosper”--- (euodoo) -- here does not refer specifically to financial prosperity but simply means that it would “go well with someone.”
Even if it did mean to financially prosper it is not a promise to everyone but to “The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth,” it is Gaius that is being addressed here.
A specific person, and a specific greeting.
Gaius was growing in the knowledge of the truth and his soul was prospering.
It was John’s earnest desire for his life, in that his relationships were to be as abundant as his soul was, (in a moral sense).
“above all things”-(peri)- if we take the interpretation that the prosperity teachers do then this verse would mean that John valued physical health and outward prosperity more than he did the health of his soul, this would go against what John taught elsewhere that we are to first desire spiritual health.
The word (euodoo) is also found in: Rom 1:10, it is rendered “have a prosperous journey;”
The wish is for “things to go well” along with the wish for “good health;” therefore financial prosperity--is not the actual intent of this greeting.
I admit that I do not know all that is to be known about the Word, nor do I personally know anyone who would make that claim concerning themselves, but I assure each of you that I will continue to search the scripture as to its meaning and perhaps through that research be able to help you and me also, to lead a significant life.
Please use the following scripture references as a guide to understanding.
Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version © 2001 Crossway Bibles NASB - 3Jo 1:2 - Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. New American Standard Bible © 1995 Lockman FoundationBeloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
King James Version 1611, 1769 NKJV - 3Jo 1:2 - Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. New King James Version © 1982 Thomas Nelson NLT - 3Jo 1:2 - Dear friend, I am praying that all is well with you and that your body is as healthy as I know your soul is. New Living Translation © 1996 Tyndale Charitable Trust NIV - 3Jo 1:2 -Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
New International Version © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society ESV - 3Jo 1:2 -Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version © 2001 Crossway Bibles New American Standard Bible © 1995 Lockman Foundation RSV - 3Jo 1:2 - Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in health; I know that it is well with your soul. Revised Standard Version © 1947, 1952. ASV - 3Jo 1:2 - Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. American Standard Version 1901 Info Young - 3Jo 1:2 - beloved, concerning all things I desire thee to prosper, and to be in health, even as thy soul doth prosper, Robert Young Literal Translation 1862, 1887, 1898 Info Darby -3Jo 1:2 - Beloved, I desire that in all things thou shouldest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. J.N.Darby Translation 1890 Info Webster - 3Jo 1:2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
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