The 3rd epistle of John

The 3^rd epistle of John

A Note of Loving Warning

3Jn 1:1  The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

3Jn 1:2  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3Jn 1:3  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

3Jn 1:4  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

3Jn 1:5  Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

3Jn 1:6  Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

3Jn 1:7  Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

3Jn 1:8  We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.

3Jn 1:9  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

3Jn 1:10  Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

3Jn 1:11  Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

3Jn 1:12  Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

3Jn 1:13  I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

3Jn 1:14  But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

1. A Greeting of Love (The letter is almost like a Christmas card. The whole intent is to send a loving greeting to an old friend) – vs. 1-4*
1. Gaius is a respected leader in the church – vs. 1*

                                                              i.      Gaius is possibly mentioned many times in the NT

1.      Gaius was with Paul at the riot in Ephesus

a.        Acts 19:29 

2.      Gaius was also with Paul after Ephesus in his travels to Macedonia

a.       Acts 20:4 

3.      Gaius was likely baptized by Paul

a.       1 Corinthians 1:14 

4.      Gaius was also known to host Paul at his home

a.       Romans 16:23 

2. John includes a blessing for Gaius which is probably the main intention for the letter – vs. 2*

                                                              i.      John desires Gauis to be blessed in three ways

1.      Prosper

a.       Psalm 1:3 

2.      Be in good health

a.       Proverbs 3:3 

b.      Speaking of mercy and truth Solomon continues

c.       Proverbs 3:8 

3.      That his soul prospers

a.       Proverbs 11:25 

3. John expresses his joy to hear that Gaius is strong in the faith – vs. 3-4*

                                                              i.      A good report of Gauis

                                                            ii.      The good report brings no greater joy

1.      1 John 2:26-28 

2. A Truth On Servant Leadership – vs. 5-12*
1. John now is forced to add to his greeting a stern warning

                                                              i.      Gaius has personally done well – vs. 5-7*

                                                            ii.      We are to support and receive those that are after a godly sort because that is a help to the truth – vs. 8*

                                                          iii.      A Person that Gaius should not be receiving and supporting – vs. 9-10*

1.      Diotrephes is named because sometimes even the best of us get deceived

2.      Diotrephes loves self promotion

3.      Diotrephes does not listen to the teaching of those that are wiser and more experienced

4.      Diotrephes has treated the faithful with contempt

5.       Diotrephes has excommunicated those that would have received and supported the faithful

                                                          iv.      A Person that Gaius should be receiving and supporting – vs. 11-12*

1.      John points out the obvious – vs. 11*

2.      John names Demetrius because often we miss the truest of God’s faithful servants – vs. 12*

a.       Demetrius has a good report of all men

b.      Demetruis has a good report from John

c.       Demetruis is known by the church as being a man of good report

                                                                                                                                      i.      This is Jesus’ criteria for leadership (He demonstrated this when He came to this earth -  the first Christmas)

1.      Matthew 20:20-28 

3. Ending Comments – vs. 13-14*
1. John knows the best interaction is face to face

                                                              i.      Unplug from the media and spend some time with real people this Christmas

2. Give a greeting of peace this Christmas – Jesus is the Prince if Peace

                                                              i.      Isaiah 9:6-7

3. Greet each other by name, as individuals.