3 John

Read 3 John in the New Living Translation with Life Application notes, cross-references, profiles and charts.

Chapters

Introduction to 3 John from the Life Application Study Bible

Book introductions contain charts, maps and timelines that are best seen on the scanned pages: p. 2158.

page 2158

VITAL STATISTICS PURPOSE: To commend Gaius for his hospital- ity and to encourage him in his Christian life AUTHOR: The apostle John ORIGINAL AUDIENCE: Gaius, a prominent Christian in one of the churches known to John DATE WRITTEN: Approximately A.D. 90 from Ephesus SETTING: Church leaders traveled from town to town helping to establish new congregations. They depended on the hospitality of fellow believers. Gaius was one who welcomed these leaders into his home. KEY VERSE: “Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the travel- ing teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you” (1:5). KEY PEOPLE: John, Gaius, Diotrephes, Demetrius

BY SPECIAL invitation or with a surprise

knock, company arrives and with them comes

the promise of soiled floors, extra laundry,

dirty dishes, altered schedules, personal ex-

pense, and inconvenience. From sharing a

meal to providing a bed, hospitality costs...

in time, energy, and money. But how we treat

others reflects our true values—what is really

important to us. Do we see people as objects

or inconveniences, or as unique creations of a loving God? And which is more important to God, a person or a carpet? Perhaps the most effective way to demonstrate God's values and Christ's love to others is to invite and welcome guests into our homes.

For Gaius, hospitality was a habit, and his reputation for friendship and generosity, especially to traveling teachers and missionaries (1:5), had spread. To affirm and thank Gaius for his Christian life-style, and to encourage him in his faith, John wrote this personal note.

John’s format for this letter centers around three men: Gaius, the example of one who follows Christ and loves others (1 11-8); Diotrephes, the self-proclaimed church leader who does not reflect God's values (1:9-11); and Demetrius, who also follows the truth (1:12). John encourages Gaius to practice hospitality, continue to walk in the truth, and do what is right.

Although this is a personal letter, we can look over the shoulder of Gaius and apply its lessons to our life. As you read 3 John, with which man do you identify? Are you a Gaius, generously giving to others? a Demetrius, loving the truth? or a Diotrephes, looking out for yourself and your things? Determine to reflect Christ’s values in your relationships, opening your home and touching others with his love.

🖼 Map, chart or picture (see the original page image) — text in this graphic: NN a SS aa

THE BLUEPRINT 1. God’s children live by the standards of the gospel (1:1-12) 2. John’s final words (1:13-15)

John wrote to commend Gaius, who was taking care of traveling teachers and missionaries, and to warn against people like Diotrephes, who was proud and refused to listen to spiritual leaders in authority. If we are to live in the truth of the gospe!, we must look for ways to support pastors, Christian workers, and missionaries today. All Christians should work together to support God's work both at home and around the world.

🖼 Map, chart or picture (see the original page image) — text in this graphic: I TT

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