3 John

3 John

Brochure

3 John

I. Introduction

  1. This letter does not bear the name of John, but it has been widely believed down through the history of the Church that he was the author.
  2. Purpose
    1. The focus of this letter is to commend Gaius for his faithful walk, expose Diotrephes as one who should not be trusted, and recommend Demetrius as a faithful man.

      “A similar problem lies behind both letters, namely the visits of itinerant teachers and what treatment is to be given to them. Both letters are therefore concerned with Christian truth and love and with their relation to hospitality… in the third ‘the elder’ commends Gaius for the hospitality he has shown to teachers of the truth, urges him to continue it, and sharply rebukes Diotrephes for his refusal to welcome them and for his opposition to those who wished to.”[1]

    2. “Truth ἀληθείᾳ – that which is true and correct; that which is certain and on which one can depend; that which is pure and genuine.”[2]
      1. This is used by John six times in this short epistle.
      2. It is used twenty times in the three epistles.
      3. It is used forty-five times in all five writings of John.
      4. The Gospels use this word thirty-two times, with twenty-six of them being used by John.

        “Most important for the New Testament is that alētheia expresses the revelation of the truth of God in Jesus Christ. Through the Incarnation the truth of God became flesh; in the ‘good news’ of Jesus Christ this truth is now proclaimed to the world (2 Corinthians 4:2). The Christian teaching is plainly called ‘the truth’ (2 Timothy 2:18). Those who are lost refuse to love the truth and are judged because they have not believed the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). On the other hand, salvation is tantamount to coming to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). The mature Christians are established in the truth (2 Peter 1:12) and the Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).”[3]
  3. Date
    1. It is believed that this was penned during the same time as 1 John, around the AD 80s-90s.
  4. Outline
    1. 1:1–4 Salutation
    2. 1: 5–8 The Godly Gaius
    3. 1: 9–11 The Dictatorial Diotrephes
    4. 1: 12 The Devout Demetrius
    5. 1: 13, 14 The Apostle’s Plan and Benediction

II. vv. 1-4 Greeting

1 THE ELDER, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:

  1. John does not give his name in this short epistle, but it is widely believed that he is “the Elder” of v. 1 who writes this letter.
  2. v. 1 Gaius
    1. Obviously, this is a leader within the church.
    2. We know nothing about him outside of this short epistle.
    3. Gaius was a very common name throughout the Roman world at this time.

      “① from Derbe Acts 20:4.
      ② from Macedonia, companion of Paul in Ephesus Acts 19:29.
      ③ from Corinth, baptized by Paul 1 Cor 1:14. Paul lived w. him when he wrote Ro 16:23.
      ④ The man to whom 3 John was addressed (vs. 1).”[4]
  3. v. 2 Prosperous in his spiritual life

    2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
    1. This was a very typical greeting in personal letters of the day.
      1. This does give us some insight as to the kind of spiritual health that Gaius lived in.
    2. Some try to build a doctrine that all believers should be healthy and wealthy from this typical greeting.
      1. There are no grounds for interpreting this passage this way, especially considering the rest of the New Testament, which fails to mention such an expectation.
    3. Imagine if your physical health and financial health were matched with your spiritual health. What would your life look like?
      1. Would you be lying in bed sick and poor, or would you be physically fit and financially set?
    4. It is possible that Gaius was not doing well physically, and that this typical greeting of the day was more significant than a simple pleasantry.
      1. We have no information other than speculation.
  4. vv. 3-4 Joy over faithfulness.

    3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
    1. v. 3 John had the Kingdom of God as the focus of his life.
      1. It brought him great joy to know that people were spiritually prospering and walking in the truth of the gospel.
      2. For many, the focus is on a sports team doing well.
      3. For some, it is upon the economy.
      4. For some, it is upon their health.
      5. Allow your hope to be set upon the Kingdom of God.
    2. What does it mean to walk in truth?
      1. To walk in truth means to walk consistently with what you believe.
        1. If you believe Jesus is Lord, then let him rule over the decisions of your life.

          Luke 6:46 But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?
        2. Live your life in a way that is true to what you claim to be.
      2. To walk in truth means to walk in a way that is without hypocrisy.
        1. You do not present yourself to be spiritually minded at church and then otherwise at home or among unbelievers.
  5. Truth, the Christian faith, is non-negotiable. Here are eight indispensable doctrines.[5]
    1. THE SCRIPTURES We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired without error, and the infallible rule of faith and practice. The Word of God is the foundation upon which the church operates and is the basis upon which the church is governed. We believe that the Word of God supersedes any earthly law that is contrary to the Holy Scriptures (Isaiah 28:13; Nehemiah 8:8; John 17:17; II Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; I Peter 1:23-25; II Peter 1:3-4, 21).
    2. THE TRINITY We believe that there is one living and true GOD, eternally existing in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory; that this triune God created all, upholds all, and governs all things (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:8, 48:16; Matthew 28:19-20; John 10:30; Hebrews 1:3).
    3. GOD THE FATHER We believe in the person of God the Father, an infinite, eternal, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayer; and that He saves from sin and death all those who come to Him through Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2, 102:27; John 3:16, 4:24; I Timothy 1:17; Titus 1:3).
    4. GOD THE SON We believe in the person of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings, his substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people and personal, visible return to earth (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:23; Mark 16:19; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-2, 8:58,11:25; I Corinthians 15:3-4; I Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:8; I John 1:2; Revelation 1:8).
    5. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT We believe in the person of the Holy Spirit, Who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify and empower for ministry all who believe in Christ (John 16:8-11; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26, 15:13,16; II Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 9:14). We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide (John 16:13, 14:16-17, 16:8-11; Romans 8:26).
    6. SIN We believe that all people are sinners by nature and choice, falling short of God’s standard and breaking His commandments – and therefore are under God’s righteous judgment. Yet, God saves and gives new life to all who come to Him in repentance and faith, trusting in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. At the cross, Jesus Christ died in our place as our substitute, absorbing God’s wrath that should have come upon us. Because Jesus died for the sins of the world, the invitation to believe is open to all, and whoever desires may come unto Jesus for new life and the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 11:28; John 3:16; Acts 3:19, 20:21; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-9; I John 2:2; Revelation 22:17).
    7. HEAVEN AND HELL We believe in a literal Heaven and a literal Hell and that all those who place their faith, hope, and trust in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord. Those who reject Jesus’ gift of salvation will spend eternity separated from the Lord (Psalm 9:17; Matthew 5:3, 5:22, 18:9, 25:31-34; Mark 9:42-49; Luke 12:5; John 3:18; Hebrews 12:23; I Peter 1:4; Revelation 14:10-11, 20:11-15).
    8. CHRIST’S SECOND COMING We believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, which is His personal, visible return to Earth and the establishment of His millennial kingdom, in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment and eternal blessing of the righteous and endless separation of the wicked (Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16, 20:11-15).

III. vv. 5-8 The Godly Example of Gaius.

  1. v. 5 Faithfulness in all things.

    5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers
    1. It is a great compliment to hear that you do faithfully whatever you do. Whatever God gives us to do, we should do it faithfully.
    2. What is it that the Lord has put in your hands to do?

      Matthew 25:21 (NLT) The master was full of praise. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
      1. This includes talents, money, and spiritual giftedness.
  2. v. 6 Support and hospitality.
    1. v. 6 John praised Gaius for his hospitality. This may seem somewhat trivial to us, but it is not to God. This is a practical outworking of the essential command to love one another; it is love in action.

      6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
      1. Hospitality is a requirement for those desiring to be elders in the church.
      2. Hospitality is that practical love that makes people feel welcomed.
      3. Jesus promised that even the help offered in a cup of cold water to one of His children would not be forgotten when God brings His reward (Matthew 10:42).
        1. This may be why John prayed for financial blessing upon Gaius, because Gaius knew how to use God’s blessing on His life to further the Kingdom of God.
    2. Traveling missionaries, evangelists, and other itinerant ministers of the gospel needed to be cared for by the local church body.
      1. It may be that those who had previously visited the church where Gaius attended had been sent by John.
  3. vv. 7- 8 Partnership in ministry
    1. v. 7 Unbelievers are not the ones responsible for supporting the Kingdom of God.

      7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
      1. Instead of soliciting funds from the public, they were to support fellow Christians.

        “A common sight in the ancient Roman Empire was the vagrants who traveled about peddling their gods and begging for money from anyone and everyone. The Christian missionaries were not to appear that way. God’s true preachers do not preach to make money but to express their love for God. It is the church’s responsibility to care for Christian workers; this should never be left to nonbelievers.”[6]

      2. This should make us consider how we receive and help those who are to preach the gospel.

        Matthew 10:40-41 40Jesus said, He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
    2. v. 8 The exhortation to be a fellow worker.

      8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

      Romans 10:13-1513 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”
      1. The church here and in Philippi supported the Apostle Paul.

        Philippians 4:16-19 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
        1. Notice that supporting the work is fruit to our heavenly account.
        2. Notice that there is the expectation that God will supply for the needs who are actively engaged in using their resources for the Kingdom of God.

IV. vv. 9-11 Diotrephes the troublemaker

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

  1. He wanted recognition.
    1. This was Satan’s downfall. He wanted to exalt his name above the name of God.
  2. He did not want authority over him.
    1. This was the problem with the sons of Korah in the Old Testament.
  3. He stirred up trouble with ungodly speech.
    1. He obviously had many negative things to say about John.

      Proverbs 6:16-19 16 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
  4. He abused his power as a leader.
    1. Church leaders are to use their position to shepherd, not to abuse.

V. v. 12 Demetrius, a man with a good reputation

12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.

  1. The New Testament uses this name twice.
    1. The first instance is in Acts 19, where it refers to a silversmith in Ephesus who incited a riot against Paul.
    2. This is the second use, and it describes a faithful follower of the Lord.
  2. Good testimony

    Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

VI. Closing

13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

  1. The value of fellowship and face-to-face time is an esteemed Christian practice.
    1. Get into fellowship and stay in fellowship.
    2. Home fellowships are a great place for this to happen.
  2. Our peace is from God
    1. Our peace is not from our circumstances.
    2. Dealing with Diotrephes was not going to bring peace.
    3. Our peace comes from the Lord, and no one can interfere with that.

[1] John Stott, The Letters of John: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 19, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 223.

[2] Thoralf Gilbrant, ed., “223. ἀλήθεια,” in The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary – Alpha-Gamma, (Springfield: Complete Biblical Library, 1991), Under: “223.”

[3] Ibid.

[4] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 186.

[5] http://calvarycca.org/statement-of-faith/

[6] Bruce B. Barton et al., eds., Life Application New Testament Commentary (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 2001), note on 3 John 1:7–8.

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