3 John — Letter to Gaius
Introduction: This letter is addressed to Gaius, a beloved friend of the apostle John, and is one of the two shortest writings in the New Testament. John expressed his joy that Gaius was living in truth and prospering spiritually. John also commended Gaius for his faithful work in assisting fellow believers and strangers. This letter addresses issues in a local church related to difficulties among believers.
Note: Scripture passages are from the World English Bible.
A — John the Elder to a Beloved Son in Truth
“3 John 1:1-4 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.”
B — Assist Fellow Workers for the Truth
“3 John 1:5-8 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”
Comments: John commended Gaius for his faithful assistance to those who are fellow believers even though they were strangers to him. The testimony that believers brought back to John about Gaius was that he had shown love through his actions. John urged Gaius to continue to support those who were traveling as missionaries, helping them along their journey in a manner that would be pleasing to God. Those who were sent out for the sake of the name of Christ had refused to accept support from unbelievers and looked to the local church for their provisions and encouragement.
C — Do Not Imitate Evil but Imitate Good
“3 John 1:9-14 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, doesn’t receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, railing against us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and forbids those who would, and casts them out of the church. Beloved, don’t imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God. Demetrius has the testimony of everyone, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.”
Comments: John stated that a man named Diotrephes did not accept John’s words and even made serious accusations against him. That man apparently exercised a strong position in the local church because he did not accept some brothers in Christ, and prevented others from doing so. The elements in this letter have more to do with difficulties among believers, than with the cautions about false teachers that John discussed in his first two letters recorded in scripture.
John made a clear distinction between doing good and doing evil. He exhorted Gaius to imitate that which is good, noting that he who does good is of God, and he who does evil has not seen God. John then commended Demetrius, who apparently was also involved in spreading the Gospel and had received a good testimony from everyone. John had confidence in Demetrius and his commitment to walking in the truth.
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, I thank you for examples like Gaius who open their homes and hearts to serve fellow believers and those who are spreading the truth of your Gospel. I want to be known for my faithful works in supporting the work of the kingdom of God. Help me, LORD, to see through the pride and selfish ambition that can arise in the hearts of those who desire position and authority. I also want my life to testify to the truth about you and to be an encouragement to those who are faithfully serving you. May I avoid the errors of Diotrephes and instead work toward unity among believers. Help me to recognize good and to follow the examples of those whose lives testify to your truth and grace. Amen.
Published 7 December 2014
Comments: John opened this letter with a personal comment of affection to a man who shared in the truth of faith in the “I am” who is the way, the truth, and the life. As John called Gaius beloved, he said his prayer for him was that he would prosper in all things and have good health. This was a positive prayer for pleasant conditions in the present life to continue for him because John believed the soul of Gaius was prospering in steadfast faith.
John expressed joyfulness as brothers in the faith had come to John and gave the report that Gaius was living the truth he believed, and used his prosperity with a perspective toward heaven. John said he had no greater joy than to hear that his children in the faith were living the truth. Colossians “3:1-4 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.”