3 John

1 | John calls himself The Elder here, just as he does in 2 John 1. He is once again calling attention to his position of authority and influence.

1-2 | Gaius was apparently a member of one of John’s churches and a beloved friend to him. Three of the first 11 Greek words that begin this epistle refer to love. This is a stern letter, yet the accent is on love.

2-3 | Gaius had a vigorous walk with God that found expression in the way he served fellow Christians. When any believer selflessly strives to prosper others who walk in the truth, God makes sure that his or her own soul prospers.

3 | The word truth appears seven times in this short letter. The truth is not something to be intellectually assimilated; it is the knowledge that fills and clothes a Christian’s life. Gaius not only walked in the truth but reached out with it by opening his home and meeting the needs of others. All who walk in truth know it, but not all who know the truth walk in it (John 8:42-47).

4 | John had no greater pleasure than knowing that other Christians were faithfully following the Lord. In fact, in each of his letters, John links his joy to the obedience of his spiritual children (1 John 1:4; 2 John 4).

5-8 | When Gaius generously offered hospitality to the traveling preachers of the gospel, he accomplished much more than providing a bed and breakfast for visitors; he paved the way for the spread of the gospel.

5 | The two occurrences of the world do emphasize the fact that Gaius repeatedly and continuously engaged in caring for the needs of missionaries and evangelists (brethren and strangers). Gaius’s open-door lifestyle pleased the Lord and was recognized by others.

6 | To send our brothers and sisters forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God (Col. 1:10) is the ultimate expression of biblical hospitality, providing for them even when they have moved on. This wording signifies treating one’s guests as the Lord would treat them.

7 | In John’s day, traveling preachers of the gospel took nothing from the Gentiles to avoid the accusation that they were motivated by money. Today, most missionaries have surrendered opportunities for careers, material possessions, and a comfortable lifestyle to serve God. The world does not support its own evangelism, but God does. And He uses men and women like Gaius to support it.

8 | Those who minister to those who are ministering participate in something greater than themselves: they become allies – fellow workers – for the truth who share in the joy and reward of bringing people to faith (Matt. 10:41; 1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1).

9-10 | Whereas Gaius is an example of loving hospitality – one who gladly received and encouraged others – Diotrephes demonstrates how hostility and a thirst for power can threaten the church.

10 | Prating suggests speech that is senseless and disparaging. It was sometimes used of poets who would write nonsense about someone. Diotrephes, a leader in the church, indulged in malicious accusations against John and others who brought sound teaching to God’s people. Though his words were unfounded, they created dissension. He also attempted to control people’s conduct, not for their protection but for his own ego.

11-12 | Sometimes the simplest test is the best for determining who to imitate: just examine a person’s life. Diotrephes focused on himself; Gaius focused on serving others. It is obvious which example John wants us to follow.

12 | Little is known about Demetrius, except that he had a good reputation with everyone and upheld the truth.

13-14 | In the first century, a letter was a substitute for the personal presence of the writer with his readers. John desired not simply to write an instruction manual but to come and strengthen his spiritual brothers and sisters in person.