INTRODUCTION
As in 2 John, the author introduces himself as “the elder”, but there are also enough similarities in 3 John with the other writings of John to assume that he wrote this letter as well.
The historical background is the same as for 2 John, but in addition, it seems that Diotrephes has taken control of the congregation. He does not recognize John’s apostolic authority, expels from the church those who do not agree with him, and opposes Gaius. With this letter, John wants to encourage Gaius to continue to welcome the Christian itinerant evangelists, even if he is opposed by others.
In 2 John, one becomes an accomplice in evil if one helps false teachers, while in 3 John, one becomes a collaborator for the Truth if one helps Christian evangelists. Another purpose of the letter is to recommend Demetrius.
THE LETTER
“The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth. I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.”
TIMELESS TRUTHS
- By helping missionaries, we become co-workers for the truth.
- Don’t call attention to yourself; let God and others do that for you (Proverbs 27:2).