3 John
3 John
John, the apostle
AUDIENCE:
Gaius, a prominent Christian in one of the churches known to John
PURPOSE:
To commend Gaius for his hospitality and to encourage him in his Christian life.
God’s people sometimes suffer as a result of the sinful actions of their own leaders. Third John paints a picture of a church in turmoil—would-be leaders jockeying for position, leveraging influence, straining to maintain control over their turf. Specifically, the book identifies Diotrephes, a controlling, abusive church leader whose rejection of fellow believers sowed seeds of discontent, confusion, and frustration.
Competition such as this is deadly to genuine Christian fellowship. Unfortunately, this happens all too often and has been the source of much grief over the centuries. Believers are called to resist the temptation to get caught up in these sorts of conflicts. Instead, they are to overcome petty jealousies, turf wars, and power struggles with generosity, hospitality, humility, and a spirit of service.
SUFFERING AND DISABILITY THEMES
Exercise hospitality through service. Hospitality and service to fellow believers are always to be commended. Hospitality is a gift that can be exercised by all, regardless of one’s limitations. Exercising it does not require wealth, power, or influence; all that is needed is a willingness to serve. Indeed, when you serve others with your time, talents, and treasures—no matter how small or insignificant the effort may seem—you are “being faithful to God” ().
Follow those who follow Christ. We must be careful whom we listen to and who has influence over us. In this letter, John urges Gaius and the other church members to follow the example of Demetrius, who was a mature and loving man, rather than Diotrephes, who was immature and ungodly. John tells Gaius, “Follow only what is good” (). John’s advice is as relevant for us today as it was for his original audience.
Greetings
1This letter is from John, the elder.
I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth.
2Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth. 4I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
Caring for the Lord’s Workers
Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. 6They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. 7For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. 8So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.
I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us. 10When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.
11Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.
12Everyone speaks highly of Demetrius, as does the truth itself. We ourselves can say the same for him, and you know we speak the truth.
Conclusion
13I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to write it with pen and ink. 14For I hope to see you soon, and then we will talk face to face.
15Peace be with you.
Your friends here send you their greetings. Please give my personal greetings to each of our friends there.