3 John [Press play below for the Introduction to 3 John]
[Click for Transcript]|[Introduction to 3 John]
Presenter: An Introduction to 3rd John. John wrote his 3rd letter in or near Ephesus about 98 CE. John addressed his 3rd letter to a beloved Gaius, a common Roman name at the time. 3rd John has 14 verses. Gaius had a fine reputation for enduring in the truth and for welcoming brothers who were strangers to him, and the apostle John commended him for his hospitable spirit. Diotrephes’ attitude contrasts sharply with that of Gaius. Diotrephes is disrespectful of apostolic authority and wants the first place among the brothers. Diotrephes refuses to welcome visiting brothers. He even tries to hinder and expel from the congregation those who show hospitality. However, Demetrius, a Christian and dear friend of John, is spoken of favorably. Demetrius may have been the one who delivered John's third letter. Did you know? At 3 John 6 Gaius is advised to send the traveling brothers on their way in a manner worthy of God. This would mean carefully supplying the brothers with what they need for their trip. Gaius evidently did this. At the end of his second and third letters, John explains that his letters are short because he hopes to see his brothers soon and speak with them face to face. As you read 3rd John, note how it stresses the importance of Christian hospitality. See how it contrasts the attitude of proud Diotrephes with that of the love of Gaius and observe how the depth of John's love is expressed for his fellow kingdom heirs.
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG onside a white box. Copyright 2019 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
Chapter 1
1.1 The older man to Gaius, the beloved, whom I truly love.
1.2 Beloved one, I pray that in all things you continue to prosper and enjoy good health, just as you are now prospering.
1.3 For I rejoiced very much when brothers came and bore witness about the truth you hold, as you go on walking in the truth.
1.4 No greater joy do I have than this: that I should hear that my children go on walking in the truth.
1.5 Beloved one, you show your faithfulness in what you do for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you.
1.6 They have given a witness about your love before the congregation. Please send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
1.7 For it was in behalf of his name that they went out, not taking anything from the people of the nations.
1.8 So we are under obligation to show hospitality to such ones, so that we may become fellow workers in the truth.
1.9 I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not accept anything from us with respect.
1.10 That is why if I come, I will call attention to the works he is doing in spreading malicious talk about us. Not being content with this, he refuses to welcome the brothers with respect; and those who want to welcome them, he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation.
1.11 Beloved one, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. The one who does good originates with God. The one who does bad has not seen God.
1.12 Demetrius has been well-reported-on by them all and by the truth itself. In fact, we too are bearing witness about him, and you know that the witness we give is true.
1.13 I had many things to write you, but I do not wish to go on writing you with pen and ink.
1.14 However, I am hoping to see you soon, and we will speak face-to-face. May you have peace. The friends send you their greetings. Give my greetings to the friends by name.