The Third Epistle of John "Personal Element of Condemnation, with an Exhortation." This Bible Study is written by Roger
Christopherson, and made available with written
permission by http://www.theseason.org In John's first and second epistles we read of the God's love for the brethren, and the brethren's love for each other, as well as God. This third epistle of John is written to a church that did not practice that love for each other. It is specially pointed to an individual, Demetrius, that was in that church. We see also that in this church, they are guilty of the sins that John warned about in the second epistle. Basically, what John is giving us is an example of what a church should not be doing today. III John 1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth." John is the elder here writing to Gaius, which means "lord". He was a leader in this church that John is writing to. John loves Gaius in the truth, because they are of the truth. God is in him, so John loves him. III John 2 "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." John is wishing Gaius well in the earthly things, as well as the spiritual things. This is a standard greeting even today. It is telling Gaius that in his prosperity that comes, it must be by doing things God's way. III John 3 "For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth." John was very pleased with Gaius' work in the Lord, when others that had been with Gaius returned to John with their reports. Gaius was a able to help people, as well as being a good teacher of God's Word. III John 4 "I have no greater joy, than to hear that my children walk in truth." John established this group, and it pleased him to see them grow. III John 5 "Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;" This is important, that you teach and plant seeds of truth in the minds of strangers. III John 6 "Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:" Charity is to give, without expecting anything in return. When strangers stopped by to visit Gaius, he always helped them on their journey in his home. He fed them and gave them of the doctrine of Christ, and sent them on their way. He took care of not only Christians, but many strangers also. III John 7 "Because that for His name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles." Because of Gaius sake, and in the name of Christ, the disciples and christians that stopped there would not leave his place, taking help from the Gentiles, or non-believers. They cared for their own people very well. III John 8 "We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth." John is thanking Gaius for the help that he gave other Christians that passed by. Gaius was a good person. Gaius had a group that studied with him, and was strong, but Gaius was not the leader of a church as we think of it today. III John 9 "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not." This is not written here to Gaius' group, but to the establish church in that city. This church official that John is writing to does not reflect the same love as Gaius. John wrote a letter to the church where this Diotrephes lives, and the one that placed himself in charge, wouldn't even let John come there. This is the case where a disciple of God, John, was accepted in an inn, and rejected by the church system of that city. How do you think God is going to bless this church? When we see that "Diotrephes" in the Greek means, "nourished by Jupiter". It gives us a little understanding of the man. III John 10 "Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church." This looks like many church leaders of today's religious systems. Diotrephes was a gossiper, and probably had a deacon board much like him. They have placed themselves as the judges on earth of all within their church. They consider themselves the final authority of the throne of God, and they don't even understand what the love of God is all about. They don't receive any others unless they conform completely to their standards. If you don't conform, your gone. They like to put people in a category, place a name and title to them, and bind them to their simple understanding that they have created. You know the type, "He is a racist,...a liberal,.. a troublemaker, or any other thing to put a brethren down". Because they say it, to them it is true, when it could be a complete lie. Their churches become gossip circles, and those that don't go along with their lies are throne out under false pretenses. Have you seen a church like that lately? God knows the hearts of all men, and those that spread gossip are not of God, and God will deal with them. They are haters of truth. Here we have Diotrephes that has forced himself to eminence, and will not allow the true workers of God in his church. It is the best break that anyone can receive is to be thrown out of a church like that. Even on the street you are better off. There are many good teachers that teach the Word of God, and that is what we should be seeking for. When one isn't in the area, it becomes time to study on your own. III John 11 "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." John is telling you that if you are ever cast out of a church like that which is evil, gossips and does not the love of God, then you are better off. If you are seeking God in a place like that, John is saying that their mind is on evil, and not on God and His truths, and you will not find Him there. This is aimed at those churches that do not teach the doctrines of Christ, that Jesus taught, and have God's love in their hearts, but are selfish, self-centered, and judgmental. It is obvious that they will not have the blessings of God. Remember that we are to set ourselves from those gossip spreaders, and liars, for they are not brethren of ours. III John 12 "Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true." John calls attention to Demetrius who is of good report by all that know him. He is just the opposite to Diotrephes, because Demetrius used the truth of God's Word to govern his whole life. This was obvious because you could ask anyone that knew Demetrius, and they had nothing but good to say about him. III John 13 "I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:" Again, John is expecting to make a trip to see Demetrius. III John 14 "But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name." John is telling him to give his regards to all the Christians that are there. There is nothing like face to face fellowship, when we can talk about the truths of God's Word, and how it is effecting our lives. We must stay in the Word and God's Spirit will bring peace to our lives, for with truth and understanding, there is no fear.
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