MISINTERPRETATION: 3 JOHN 1:2 - I WISH ABOVE ALL THINGS THAT YOU MAY PROSPER IS A GREETING/PRAYER AND NOT A DECLARATION FROM GOD

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3 John 1:2 KJV Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Many Christians regard the above verse as a declaration from God of His desire to financially prosper believers. While we acknowledge the bible-fact that God's plan for His children is that of good and not of evil, however, the above verse is not a sovereign declaration of Almighty God; it is rather a greeting/prayer from Paul to Gaius. The verse is never God's promise to financially prosper any believer, which has faith, in this dispensation as some profess. Paul's statement in that verse is like saying, "Hello dear, I hope all is well with you. I wish you long life, good health and prosperity as you grow in the things of the spirit'. Here are other translations for better understanding:

3 Joh 1:2 CEV Dear friend, and I pray all goes well for you. I hope you are as strong in body, as I know you are in spirit.

3 Joh 1:2 ISV Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way and that you are healthy, just as your soul is healthy.

3 Joh 1:2 GNT My dear friend, I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health--as I know you are well in spirit.

3 Joh 1:2 NLT Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.

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