THE THIRD EPISTLE OF JOHN
 

          Greetings to you once again, and welcome back to Daily Bread. Our study today of this third letter written by the apostle John is addressed to Gaius. You may remember Gaius from the books of Acts, Romans and 1 Corinthians, as one of Paul’s traveling companions. His faith was enough to inspire John to write this epistle to him, encouraging him to continue in his support for the brethren (missionaries) who come to his church, and to commend him on his love for his fellow Christians.

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          From John (the elder), to the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the TRUTH. Beloved, it is my earnest desire that you are in good health, just as the health of your soul prospers. I was so happy when the brethren came and told me how the TRUTH is in you and you walk in the faith. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children live in TRUTH.

          Beloved, continue in your hospitality for the brethren, and for strangers. They’ve told of your love before the church, whom if you help them on their journey in a godly way, you’ll do well, because for Jesus’ name’s sake, they continued on, asking no accommodations (material things) of the Gentiles. It’s good then, that we welcome them (the brethren and strangers), that we might be co-workers for the TRUTH.

          I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the control over them, refused my letter. So, if I come, I’ll remember what he’s done, babbling against us with malicious words (backbiting), and not content with us, neither does he himself welcome the brethren, and forbids those who would, and puts them out of the church.

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          Beloved, don’t follow that which is evil, but follow that which is good. He that practices good is of God, but he that does evil, has not seen God.

          Demetrius has a good reputation among all men, and is loyal to the TRUTH, and we also testify for him, and you know that we tell the TRUTH.

          I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to you, but I hope that I will see you soon and speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

          As you read through John’s letter, his message remains consistent with the other two letters that were authored by him; love, TRUTH, goodness, faith, fellowship and loyalty; continue to practice these things and you are of God.

          Gaius, a friend of John’s who has formed a Christian community (church), is complimented by John on testimony he’s heard from fellow brethren, of Gaius’ charity within the church, and urges him to keep up the good work. He goes on to say, we should make our fellow Christians feel at home, and provide them with what they need so that they require nothing of the people they’re bringing the Gospel to.

          John also says that he wrote to the church in the area where Gaius is, but Diotrephes (who you can presume is a prominent member of the church there) was afraid that John would be respected more than Diotrephes’ authority, so because of his pride, he didn’t present John’s epistle to the church. He doesn’t welcome other visiting Christians and those who do, are kicked out of the church. John reminds Gaius of Psalms 37:27, Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. Also, Paul wrote in Romans 12:21, Be not overcome of evil, but overcome (conquer) evil with good.

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          On the other hand, John points out, Demetrius is a good example to follow, gaining the respect of his fellow Christians who have brought word back to him, that he has good character and is loyal to the TRUTH.

          So, even within the church, we must be careful of those whose pride will cause them to distort the message of Jesus that we’re all trying to spread. In all three of John’s letters, he’s teaching us to be discerning as Christians, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is TRUTH, we can faithfully spread the Gospel and fellowship as God’s people, with God’s people.

          Congratulations on completing this study of The Third Epistle of John! Our New Testament Bible study continues next time with The General Epistle of Jude, which you won’t want to miss, then after that we’ll study the End Times, right here at your Daily Bread!