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The Letters of John
BC Weekly Digest Monday, April 19 1999 In this issue: 3 John 1 3 John 1-4 3 John 5-8 3 John 9-15 3 John 1 Introduction to Third John OCCASION FOR WRITING Unlike the letters of 1 and 2 John, the third epistle of John does not mention false teachers. The "postcard" was written mainly to counter the influence of Diotrephes, a garrulous, unyielding would-be boss of the church where Gaius was a faithful member. John sets forth a method of dealing with someone who wants to be head man of a congregation. He also threatens to visit the congregation and put Diotrephes in his place. Some faithful disciples intended to visit the congregation of which Gaius was a member "for the sake of the Name," that is, on behalf of the cause of Christ. Since these traveling evangelists did not accept contributions from Gentiles, John encourages Christians to support them. THE WRITER Like 2 John, this short letter was written by "the elder." Many words and phrases are similar to those in 1 and 2 John. There is no reason in the world to doubt they were written by the same man. Although his name does not appear, it is commonly accepted by those who believe in the inspiration of the NT that the apostle John is the writer. TIME OF WRITING I do not really know a precise date. It was written after the church was established on Pentecost and prior to John's death. It was also written after John's previous letter to the church where Diotrephes attended (3Jo 9). TO WHOM WRITTEN This short letter is written to a fine Christian named Gaius, a faithful man whom John had converted who was noted for his hospitality. Gaius was a rather common name in NT times. The name is mentioned five times in the NT to describe possibly four different men. Some have combined the references and applied some of them to the Gaius to whom John wrote but to do this is speculative. There is a suggestion that Gaius of Corinth (1Co 1:14) whom Paul baptized might be the same man. He also was known for his hospitality (Ro 16:23). TIME OF WRITING Sometime after the church was established on Pentecost (Ac 2) and the death of the apostle John. The fact that the writer calls himself "the elder" suggests the letter was written after he had become old. Charles Hess ------------------------------ 3 John 1-4 3 John 1-4 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved [brother], I pray that in all things you may prosper and be in good health, just like your soul is prospering. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified to the truth [that is] yours, as you walk in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than when I hear of my children walking in the truth. (OPV) 1 "The elder to the beloved Gaius whom I love in truth." This final letter from the elder/apostle John, whom we often refer to as the "beloved" apostle, reflects the tenderness and consideration that was earlier shown while he followed the Master during those three years of ministry. Now, he has matured into a very aged and wise disciple. We note the personal touch that he has developed and the warmth that he expresses toward those who are "of the Lord." He addresses Gaius in a warm and brotherly fashion, showing the proper respect for his fellow traveler. Whether this is the Gaius of Corinth who is referred to in Romans 16:23 and 1 Cor. 1:14, or whether he is the Gaius of Derbe who is found in Act 20:4, or even the Gaius of Acts 19;29 is not important. It is noteworthy that this was a popular name throughout the Roman Empire. Whoever he was, it is certain that he was a devout and faithful Christian, which serves us well as an example to follow. 2 "Beloved [brother], I pray that in all things you may prosper and be in good health, just like your soul is prospering." As noted in the text by the parentheses, the word "brother" is not in the original manuscript but is implied by the context of the message. This was a man who was worthy of being called "esteemed" or "worthy of love." John notes here that his soul is prospering, as our souls should be prospering, and that he wishes him prosperity in a more tangible sense. 3 "For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified to the truth [that is] yours, as you walk in truth." No doubt, John was in receipt of some message from other brethren which had commended Gaius for his good works and for his steadfastness in the truth (of the gospel). 4 "I have no greater joy than when I hear of my children walking in the truth." The news of Gaius' faithfulness and earnest efforts to stand for the truth were of great consolation to John just as it was to those who brought him this encouraging news. Too often, we tend to become jealous of the good works of others but this is sinful because it involves envy and it will lead to the destruction of the soul. We should all rejoice, as did John in this instance. Let us all rejoice in the growth and maturity of our brethren and let us also be a help and not a hindrance to good works. Howard Justice ------------------------------ 3 John 5-8 3 John 5-8 5 Beloved [brother], you are acting faithfully in the work you do for the brethren, also for strangers, 6 who have testified to your love before the church. You will do good by helping them on their way in a manner worthy of God, 7 because they went forth on behalf of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 So we ought to be hospitable to such men, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth (OPV). === 5 "Beloved [brother], you are acting faithfully in the work you do for the brethren, also for strangers" John addresses Gaius as his beloved brother. So it should be even today between ourselves and our brothers and sisters in the Lord. John notes that Gaius has been hospitable to Christians and to "strangers". Whether this refers to non-Christians or to Christians they did not know, this "unfeigned love," as mentioned in 1 Peter 1:22, is to be shown not only to our brethren but to all men (Galatians 6:10). 6 "Who have testified to your love before the church. You will do good by helping them on their way in a manner worthy of God" It is not clear whether "church" refers to the congregation where John was, to the congregation where Gaius was, or to the church in general. In any case, the good deeds of Gaius were known and brought glory to God. 7 "Because they went forth on behalf of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles" We can ascertain that these were primarily evangelists who were preaching "in the Name" of Jesus of Nazareth and that they had refused any kind of remuneration from non- Christians to whom they preached. 8 "So we ought to be hospitable to such men, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth" The admonition is loud and clear to each of us today that we are to be hospitable to all, especially those who preach the gospel (Romans 10:15). By doing so we actively participate in their work. Howard Justice ------------------------------ 3 John 9-15 3 John 9-15 9 I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not accept us. From the time this was written until the present day, one of the main sources of problems in the church has been men who love to "have the preeminence". Jesus criticized the Jewish leaders of His time for their high-mindedness and explained that His followers should be different: "But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders [of their garments], and love the chief place at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your teacher, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father on the earth: for one is your Father, [even] he who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, [even] the Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled; and whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:5-12 ASV). In the light of these plain words of Jesus, it is amazing that religious leaders in our own day, who claim to be Christian, allow themselves to be called by such titles as "father" and "reverend" -- even "Holy Father" -- in clear defiance of the words of Christ. But Diotrephes rejected the Apostle John, so I guess it should not surprise us that men who love to have the preeminence today refuse to listen to the Lord. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will bring up his deeds which he does, speaking nonsense against us with wicked words. And not content with that, he himself does not accept the brethren, and those wanting [to do so] he hinders and throws out of the church! Sadly, many of us have been confronted by such men in our own time. They do much harm and cause much grief. 11 Beloved [brother], do not imitate the bad, but the good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God. We all tend to be discouraged by bad situations. Here John provides the solution. There will always be good and bad examples, not only in the world, but even in the church. How people behave reveals their nature. How WE REACT, reveals OUR nature. We need to seek out good examples to imitate, and be careful NOT to imitate the bad examples around us. 12 Of Demetrius [a good] testimony has been given by all and by the truth itself. We also testify [on his behalf], and you know that our testimony is true. We know nothing about Demetrius other than what is written here, nor do we know exactly why John felt it necessary to give this recommendation. But the contrast between Diotrephes and Demetrius is clear. The good testimony that was given of Demetrius was backed up by the truth itself. The FACTS of his life and behavior were clear for all to see. He is being held up to Gaius as the type person to imitate. 13 I had many things to write to you, but I do not want to write [them] to you with ink and pen, 14 but I hope to see you soon, and we shall speak face to face. 15 Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends [there] by name. John closes his letter with a warm greeting and an expression of his intention to visit Gaius and the congregation soon. His use of the designation "friends" for believers in Christ is found no where else in the New Testament, and adds an additional depth to our understanding of the relationship which exists among true followers of Christ. Roy Davison