² tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

² tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

² tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

² tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

² tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

² tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

² tn The phrase “the following” after “write” is supplied to clarify that what follows is the content of what is to be written.

³ sn Sayings which contain the imagery used here (kicking against the goads) were also found in Greek writings; see Pindar, Pythians 2.94-96; Euripides, Bacchae 795.

¹ tn The translation “to write a letter, to send a letter to” for ἐπιστέλλω (epistellō) is given in L&N 33.49.

³ tn Or “a bull calf” (see Exod 32:4-6). The term μοσχοποιέω (moschopoieō) occurs only in Christian writings according to BDAG 660 s.v.

² sn The mention of the lampstand in this context is of interest because it suggests that the writing was in clear view.

² sn Written on the front and back. While it was common for papyrus scrolls to have writing on both sides, the same was not true for leather scrolls.

² tn Heb “and the founding of the house of God, look, they are written on the writing of the scroll of the kings?”

² tn Heb “the whole in writing from the hand of the Lord upon me, he gave insight [for] all the workings of the plan.”

¹ tn Heb “I will send them so they may arise and walk about in the land and describe it in writing according to their inheritance and come to me.”

³ tn This ἵνα (hina) introduces a clause giving the author’s purpose for writing “these things” (ταῦτα, tauta), which refers to the entirety of the preceding material. The two other Johannine statements about writing, 1 John 1:4 and John 20:31, are both followed by purpose clauses introduced by ἵνα, as here.

⁴ sn The deuterocanonical writings known as the Story of Susanna and Bel and the Dragon appear respectively as chapters 13 and 14 of the book of Daniel in the Greek version of this book. Although these writings are not part of the Hebrew/Aramaic text of Daniel, they were popular among certain early communities who valued traditions about the life of Daniel.

¹ sn Demetrius is apparently someone Gaius would have heard about, but whose character was not known to him. Thus the author is writing to Gaius to attest to Demetrius’ good character. It appears that Demetrius is coming to Gaius’ church and needs hospitality and assistance, so the author is writing to commend him to Gaius and vouch for him. It is difficult to know more about Demetrius with any certainty, but the author is willing to give him a powerful personal endorsement (We testify to him too). Demetrius may well have been the leader of a delegation of traveling missionaries, and may even have been the bearer of this letter to Gaius. The writing of letters of introduction to be carried along by representatives or missionaries in NT times is also attested in Paul’s writings (1 Cor 16:3).

² sn The idea of a reward for Christians who serve faithfully is not common in the Johannine writings, but can be found in Rev 11:18 and 22:12.

¹ sn In Pauline writings saints means any true believer. Thus for Paul to view himself as less than the least of all the saints is to view himself as the most unworthy object of Christ’s redemption.