Third John is a letter, as was Second John. The writer identified himself as “the elder” which was also done in Second John. Again, we believe the writer of the letter was the apostle John.
Greeting
1-4
The letter is written to a man named Gaius. John called him “beloved” and said he loved him in the truth. Therefore we know that Gaius was a Christian brother who had continued in the truth of the gospel as John had taught. And John loved him.
John prayed that things would go well for Gaius and that he would have good health, much the same as we might write to a friend today. I often begin emails with “I hope this finds you well” or “I hope you are well”. It was common in ancient letters.
John prayed for the physical well being of Gaius to go along with his good spiritual state (“as it goes well with your soul”). Gaius’ good deeds show that his spiritual life was good, that it was going well with his soul.
It appears that some brothers from John’s church in Ephesus had gone out on a preaching tour and had seen Gaius. They had reported back to John that Gaius was still walking in the truth. (3) This means Gaius was staying faithful to the truth taught by John and living accordingly.
This made John happy. He said he had no greater joy than to hear that his children were walking in the truth. “Children” would not mean young people here, but people John had led to Christ or had ministered to. Gaius was one of John’s children in this sense.
Supporting Missionaries\Providing Hospitality
5-8
John commended Gaius for extending hospitality to the brothers who had gone out preaching. He had done so much the brothers testified to it before John’s church. Evidently, Gaius had taken them in while they were in his city, and sent provisions with them for their journey when they left. He would also have vouched for them in his community.
John said it was good to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. This would mean generously and without holding back.
These brothers deserved this type of provision, because they went out for the sake of the name, meaning for Jesus, and they accepted nothing from the people who did not know Christ. John referred to them as Gentiles, meaning they were not part of the people of God. It also seems to mean that John saw the church as the new Israel, making all who were not part of the church Gentiles.
John also made the point that, when we support missionaries and evangelists, we become fellow workers. (8) We share in the work and can rejoice in the fruit of it. Today, if we give to support the mission efforts of our church or denomination, we become fellow workers with them in proclaiming Christ to the world.
Opposition
9-10
In contrast to the generosity and support of Gaius, was a man named Diotriphes. He wanted to be in charge and did not recognize John’s authority. He liked to “put himself first”. He told lies about John. (10) That is very bold, since John was one of the Twelve. John had even written a letter to the church about it. (9) And he intended to come there personally and address it. (10) He would almost be required to do this to restore his authority.
Diotriphes also refused to help the missionary brothers. (10) He may have done this because they came from John’s church. He even went so far as to put out of the church anyone who wanted to help the missionaries.
There are those who use church to satisfy their ambitions and desire for power. There are those who do not follow the teachings of the apostles that we have in the New Testament. We must watch out for those as they do not seek the mission of the church, but their own personal missions.
Instruction and Commendation
11-12
John’s instruction was to imitate good rather than evil. The implication is that Gaius should not imitate Diotriphes, who was doing evil, even to oppose him. Rather, he should imitate good by continuing to offer hospitality to the missionaries. This is a message from the Old Testament. Psalm 34:14 says “turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it”. Because God is good, those who believe and obey him must be good. John said “whoever does good is from God. (12) Any time we use evil means, even to accomplish something good, we will bring evil into the church and it will cause harm. John said “whoever does evil has not seen God”, meaning he is not part of God’s family and in a relationship with him.
As an example, John touted the goodness of a man named Demetrius. Everyone testified to his goodness. Even John could testify to it. That is quite the commendation: everyone knows you are good.
Apparently, Demetrius was the bearer of the letter to Gaius, and this was John’s way of saying Gaius should extend hospitality to Demetrius, who was good, and who was vouched for by John himself.
Closing
13-15
As in 2nd John, John indicated he wanted to come and see them in person rather than communicate in writing. This is the same way he ended the letter of Second John.
He planned to come see them soon. They were friends of his and of those in his church.
Here are some things for you to think about this week:
- Are you walking in the truth?
- Are you offering hospitality to your fellow believers?
- Are you supporting the work of missions and evangelism?
- Are you obedient to the authority of your church?
Godspeed as you think of these things, repent of any failures, and strive to love God and his church this week.
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