ChristLife Servant Leadership Ministry

 The Third Epistle of John

A Study Series of the Testimonies and Writings of the Apostle John

Book One: The Gospel of John

Book Two: The First Epistle of John

 Book Three: The Second Epistle of John

 Book Four: The Third Epistle of John

 Book Five: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Larry R. Gilmore, Mdiv.

Pastor/Evangelist/Servant

Forward

The Third Epistle of John

In the Third Epistle of John, the Apostle John addresses negative forces which the church is confronting, both external and internal, and how they are to be handled in a Godly manner. John identifies two people in the church – one evil and one good. John addresses his letter to a faithful and reverent servant of the church Gaius. In the end the Apostle beseeches the brethren to greet one another and strangers as you would our Lord, and to do so in love and peace. 

Dedication

All glory, praise, and honor be to God the Father, Jesus Christ the Risen Lord, and the Spirit of Holiness which inspired these writings!

My special heartfelt thanks to my wife, our children, our grandchildren, our family, our friends, and colleagues of Faith for their prayers, support, and inspiration in my writing of this five Book Study Series, “The Testimonies and Writings of the Apostle John.”

Table of Contents

1. Overview
2. 3 John 1-14
3. Personal Testimonial Essay
4. Reference Sources

 The Third Epistle of John

The Third Epistle of John – The Third Epistle of John was probably written between A.D. 85 and 95. This Epistle is addressed to an individual named Gaius. Gaius probably attended a church in a city located in Asia Minor. The focus is more administrative than doctrinal. The theme of Christian faith and love of all of God's people are present throughout. The letter applies Christian principles to church life and administration. John commends Gaius for his continuous generosity to local church members, his continued walk in Christian truth and faith, and his aiding of traveling evangelists. These missionaries depended on the hospitality of local Christians and churches. John condemns Diotrephes for his prideful rejection of the apostle, domination of the local church, and refusal to show hospitality.  John also commends Demetrius, a fellow Christian of good character and the bearer of the letter to the confidence of the church. (3 John 1-14)

Bible Verses and References.

• The Apostle John’s Greeting to Gaius – ‘Whom I have Loved in Truth’: “ 1. The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I have loved 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 the Truth that is in you, just as you walk in the Truth. 4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth.” (3 John 1-4)

              1. 2 John 1

              2. N/A

              3. 2 John 4

              4. 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

• The Apostle John Commends Gaius for his Generosity: “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 may become fellow workers for the Truth.” (3 John 5-8)
5. N/A 

              6. N/A

              7. 1 Corinthians 9:12-15

              8. Matthew 10:40

• Diotrephes’ evil heart and Demetrius’ Good Heart: “9. I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who 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, putting them out of the church. 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 a good testimony from all, and from the Truth Itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.” (3 John 9-12)

              9. N/A

              10. Proverbs 10:8-10

              11. Psalm 34:14, 37:27; 1 John 2:29, 3:10

              12. John 19:35, 21:24; 1 Timothy 3:7

• The Apostle John’s Farewell Greeting and Advice: “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 to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.” (3 John 13-14)   

              13. 2 John 12

               14. N/A

3 John Review.

The Joy of a Good Report.

1 Gaius was a trusted and beloved leader in the church whom John an elder, one of authority in the Scripture, is addressing.

2 John wishes a blessing of success on Gauis in all things including his health and his spiritual walk. 

3 Gaius was walking in the truth, in the word of God, and his witness was as such according to other evangelist who had visited him.

4 True and faithful servants of God experience great joy when they hear of their children and fellow servants being faithful in the service of the Lord.

5, 6 Gauis was faithful in his support of the brethren in his local church community and to those brethren who visited, those involved in evangelical outreach and ministry.  John praised him for this, and continued to encourage Gauis to give to those missionaries the help they needed to spread the Gospel message. 

7, 8 These missionaries whom John spoke of had gone out for the sake of Jesus Christ name, and not for gain. They took nothing from the unconverted Gentiles to whom they preached lest they be accused of preaching for money as the pagan philosophers did. Thus the Christians were to receive them with hospitality, and in this way they too shared the glorious work of the missionaries in the fulfilling of the Great Commission Matt. 28:18-20 "... Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you ..."

9, 10 In contrast to Gauis (vv. 5-8), Diotrephes would not show any hospitality to the traveling evangelist and missionaries. His pride over shadowed his heart for he loved the preeminence (surpassing others, distinguished, leading, predominant). His unsanctified attitude was prating (foolish, silly) and reflected in his deeds. He rejected the Apostle, spoke malicious (cruel, intent to do evil, wrongful intent) words against them, refused to receive the evangelist he sent, and kept others from accepting them through his self-centeredness and control domination.  John intends to address this concern and behavior directly when he returns to the church.

Two Types of Character.

11 John instructs the church not to imitate the actions of Diotrephes for they are evil and he no longer is serving God, but only himself in God's name ... which is heresy.

12 Demetrius, who was probably the carrier of the letter was a man of good character and integrity. His life was one based on the truth of the word of God, and could be attested to by other Christians and the Apostle. Because of this, John felt that Demetrious could help Gauis and the faithful members of the church resolve these concerns of John.

13, 14 John is anxious to see his beloved friends in Christ face to face and to resolve the concern of Diotrephes, and ends his letter with a blessing of peace.

 3 John Short Essay Questions.

1. In verses 1-4, To whom is John writing? Why is John joyful?

2. In verses 5-8, John ask Gaius to do what faithfully in a manner worthy of Who, and Why?

3. In verses 9-12, John rebukes who for his evil heart and works? John praises who for the goodness of his heart and works? John ask the beloved brethren to do what in verse 11, and Why?

4. In verse 13-14, What does John command the faithful to do to their friends and brethren?

Testimonial Essay – After much prayer and discernment, as a sojourner of Faith, on separate paper write your spiritual Testimony of Faith (Minimum of 500+ Words), thus, bearing witness to Whom Jesus the Risen Christ is in your daily life, and in your daily walk of Faith. Begin your spiritual Testimony of Faith by reflecting from where you were before receiving Jesus the Risen Christ as the Savior of your life. Address how accepting Him as your personal Savior and Christ of your life has transformed and regenerated you. Include in your spiritual Testimony of Faith personal examples: spiritual, emotional, and physical, as well as others as applicable. Remember, this is you spiritual Testimony of Faith, so bless others with your witness. May our Lord God’s love, peace, and joy bring you fullness in your continued journey of Faith and discovery! Amen. Halleluiah. Amen!

If you need help with answers, or assistance, write to us or E-mail us at the below address!

Mailing Address:

 Larry R. Gilmore

The Epistle of 3 John Study Series

P.O. Box 841026

Pearland, TX 77584

E-mail Address:

larryrgilmorepastor@yahoo.com

Web Site: http://larryrgilmorechristlifeservantleadershipministry.org

Reference Sources.

The Nelson Study Bible, New King James Version, Copyright @1997, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Publishers, Nashville.

Aramaic English New Testament, Andrew Gabriel Roth, Copyright @2008, Netzari Press, Jerusalem, Israel.

Greek-English New Testament, Nestle-Aland, Copyright @1994, DEUTSCHE BIBELGESELLSCHAFT, Munster/Westphalia.

Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Copyright @1992, INTERVARSITY PRESS, Downers Grove, Illinois.

The Anchor Dictionary, Volume 3 H-J, Copyright @1992, Doubleday, New York.

The New Interpreter’s Bible, A Commentary in Twelve Volumes, Volume XII 1, 2 & 3 John, Copyright @1995, Abingdon Press, Nashville.

The Expositor’s Commentary, New International Version, Volume 12, 1, 2 & 3 John, Copyright @1981, The Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids.