The Weekly Pulpit 3 John 1:12 Demetrius has good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yes, and we also bear record; and you know that our record is true. 1. The test of public opinion. All men had a good word for Demetrius. But there are antipathies in the worldly mind; how, then, can we expect an unbiassed judgment? We answer that truth must vanquish error as the light does the darkness. Dishonesty can only obtain a temporary triumph over integrity (1 Peter 2:12). 2. The test of the Word of God. The standard of character is the law of the Lord. We use the Bible for comparison as well as for instruction. It is a mirror in which to see our true condition. 3. The test of Church fellowship. Christians know each other intimately, and as such they know each other's failings; yea, and they know the difficulties which beset a holy life. To have a good word from those who thus know us testifies to the genuineness of our character. 4. The test of the final judgment. (The Weekly Pulpit.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
    |