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3 John 1

The book of 3 John is a personal letter written by the Elder, traditionally identified as the Apostle John, directed to Gaius, a beloved member of the church. The letter emphasizes hospitality, support for missionaries, and the proper treatment of church leaders. It contrasts the commendable behavior of Gaius with the divisive and authoritarian actions of Diotrephes, offering a case study on leadership and cooperation within the early Christian community. John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and love, which have been evident to the church, and discusses the importance of supporting those who work for the truth.

3 John 1:1-4 (NKJV)
1 The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of your truth, as you walk in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

John starts his letter with a warm greeting to Gaius, whom he loves dearly in the bond of Christian truth. He expresses a heartfelt prayer for Gaius's prosperity and health, reflecting the well-being of his soul—a soul evidently thriving in spiritual matters. John’s joy is profoundly tied to the spiritual welfare of his converts, like Gaius, whose lives bear witness to their faith by walking in the truth.

3 John 1:5-8 (NKJV)
5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,
6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow workers for the truth.

John commends Gaius for his faithful service to both fellow believers and strangers, likely referring to itinerant Christian teachers and missionaries. Gaius’s reputation for love and hospitality has become well-known among the churches. John encourages him to continue supporting these workers in a manner that honors God, emphasizing that such missionaries do not rely on non-believers for support, thereby maintaining the purity of their mission. By supporting these workers, Gaius and others participate as fellow laborers in the truth of the gospel.

3 John 1:9-10 (NKJV)
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.
10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, and puts them out of the church.

John shifts to discuss Diotrephes, a contrasting figure in the church who craves authority and prominence, rejecting the authority and teachings of John and his associates. Diotrephes's behavior includes spreading false accusations and hindering the ministry by refusing to welcome the brethren. Moreover, he exerts his influence to prevent others from showing hospitality and even expels them from the church. John plans to address these issues personally should he visit, highlighting the need for accountability in church leadership.

3 John 1:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has good testimony from all, and from the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.

John advises Gaius, and by extension the reader, to emulate good rather than evil. This exhortation sets the standard for Christian conduct—that it aligns with God’s character. Demetrius is introduced as a positive example, likely another Christian leader or missionary, who has a commendable reputation backed by truthful testimony, including John's endorsement. This serves as a contrast to Diotrephes and as an example to follow.

3 John 1:13-14 (NKJV)
13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

John concludes with a personal note, indicating his preference for face-to-face communication over written correspondence, suggesting that some matters are better discussed in person. He sends peaceful greetings and reminds Gaius of the personal connections within the community, underscoring the importance of personal relationships and direct communication in the early Christian church. This closing reiterates the warmth and personal nature of John's pastoral care.

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