Translations
Modern
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Testimony has been given to Demetrius by all, and by the truth itself; and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
Latin
Demetrio testimonium redditur ab omnibus, et ab ipsa veritate, sed et nos testimonium perhibemus: et nosti quoniam testimonium nostrum verum est.
Original
Greek
English
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Notes
Demetrius was the opposite of Diotrephes. Demetrius was a clear example of a person who knows the truth and lives according to it (1:3). His name appears at the end of the letter. This suggests that he was the person who carried John’s letter to Gaius (compare Colossians 4:7–9; 1 Peter 5:12).
you know that our testimony is true: John wanted to protect his honor as a trustworthy elder for these churches. He did not want Diotrephes or other false teachers to challenge or replace his leadership.
In these verses, John condemns Diotrephes and presents Demetrius as the model of a faithful Christian who lives according to the truth. John encourages Gaius to follow the example of Demetrius.
Theme notes and profiles
People
Demetrius: Silversmith who opposed Paul in Ephesus