3 John

This is a very short, one chapter book, and is another example of a letter written to specific person; in this case Gaius (v1).   Remember that 2 John was written to a lady and it appears that John calls himself the “elder” because he was almost certainly very old, having outlived his contemporary apostles. People with the name of Gaius are mentioned in other new testament letters but we do not know if this man was one of them; all we know is that he was much loved by John.  Gaius, like the lady in 2 John, had the gift of hospitality, a gift much valued in the kingdom of God.  Remember hospitality is listed as one of the qualities to consider when you appoint an elder.

 THE TRUTH – JESUS THE WAY TO GOD

John declared that he loved Gaius in the truth (v1).  The truth, we know from John’s gospel and other letters, was that Jesus had come from his Father God, became flesh and is the only way to God.  It is a sharing of that truth which binds Christians together in love.

WHOLENESS IN EVERY WAY
Our heart is to bless each other.  John sought to bless Gaius who he wanted him to have wholeness in every way; “that all may go well with you” and “that you may be in good health” (v2).  John knew that his soul was doing well but this confirms that God is interested in every aspect of our life.  Again we hear how the greatest joy that John knew was to know that his children were walking in the truth.  The word children here means people that John had brought to the Lord; those who had responded to the truth of the Gospel.

THE WAY HE LIVED
Gaius lived a good life.  A life that reached out to others, a faithful life where he did whatever he could to help John’s Christian friends in the Lord; even though they were strangers to him (v5).  Our testimony should be one of love; and hospitality is a way in which we show that love.  These people were worthy, they did not accept any support from non-believers and their journey was for the sake of Christ.  Just like the 70 that Jesus sent out they were faithful in their message, lived by faith and only stayed where they were welcome.

WRONG LEADERS
We are introduced to a person called Diotrephes and through this false leader we see similar issues that we find in modern day church.  He is interested in his own ministry but not that of others.  John says he (v9) “likes to put himself first.”  This leads him to falsely bring down other good ministries and reject other Christian friends; even expelling these good people from the church.

GOOD LEADERS
Not all leaders are bad; Demetrius for example (v12).  Our duty is to imitate good leaders but not the bad ones (v11).  It is by their fruits that they are known and we are known; do we do good or evil?  Do other Christians testify favourably about us?

FINAL GREETING
In his greeting John shows his desire to be with them.  Remember this is the disciple who we know leaned on Jesus breast and his letters are full of encouragement to love one another.  There is nothing quite like talking together face to face (v14).  His desire was that the friends were greeted, each by name (v15).  In love everyone is important and valued.