A Greeting from the Elder
John begins his letter with a conventional greeting,...
John begins his letter with a conventional greeting, which includes the identification of the author and addressee, a salutation (dear friend), a wish for the recipient’s welfare, and gratitude for some aspect of the friendship.
1The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
2Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers. 3For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Gaius Commended for Hospitality
John now encourages Gaius to continue supporting the...
John now encourages Gaius to continue supporting the traveling teachers whom John had sent out (1:3).
5Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. 6They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
for the Lord (literally on behalf of the...
- for the Lord (literally on behalf of the Name): John did not need to identify whose name this was because all the early Christians knew that the Name represented Jesus Christ (see Acts 5:41).
- The traveling teachers had chosen to accept nothing offered to them from people who are not believers, but to rely fully on the churches for their support. Christians who support legitimate traveling teachers become their partners as they teach the truth (see Matt 10:41–42; Phil 4:15–19).
7For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Diotrephes and Demetrius
In these verses, John condemns Diotrephes and presents...
In these verses, John condemns Diotrephes and presents Demetrius as the model of a faithful Christian who lives according to the truth. Gaius is urged to emulate Demetrius.
9I have written to the church about this,† but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. 10So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.
11Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
12Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Conclusion
As in 2 John, the conclusion of 3...
As in 2 John, the conclusion of 3 John shows John’s desire to make a personal visit and see to the instructions of this letter.
13I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink. 14Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face.† Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.