Bible Study Notes – 3 John

Having completed our study of 1 John and 2 John, it is appropriate to complete our study of John’s epistles.  Again, the beloved disciple who leads the “beloved community” in his old age utilizes these letters to reaffirm the foundational teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  John addresses the third letter to a very close friend and brother in the Lord, Gaius.  Commentators debate whether he is the same person mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament.    Tradition and scholarly consensus holds Gaius is a personal friend of the beloved disciple and distinct from any other references and usages of this name. 

John wishes the very best for his brother in the Lord.  The magnanimity of his prayer on Gaius’ behalf reveals the importance of their friendship and fellowship.  This prayer for prosperity remains a very controversial verse in modern Christian preaching and teaching.  For adherents to the “Word of Faith Movement,” this verse symbolizes the chief cornerstone in a building.  The question remains, “What did John mean when writing this verse and what did his followers hear?”  Then, John discusses hospitality, betrayal even within the Church and integrity. 

Although a personal letter to a beloved brother in the Lord and friend, John’s third epistle could equally be addresses to any modern day disciple.  Let’s apply this technique as we uncover the riches embedded in this letter.

Consider the following ideas and questions as you study the passage.

• As the last surviving disciple of the original twelve men who followed the Lord Jesus Christ during the three and a half years of his earthly ministry, John rightly refers to himself as the “Elder.”

• John says he loves Gaius in the truth.  Can you think of Christian brothers and sisters whom you love dearly because of your great admiration and respect for them personally and their faithful service to our Lord?  If so, you can relate to John’s abiding and heartfelt affection for this fellow believer.
• In the second verse, John prays that Gaius enjoys health, favorable circumstances in life and a healthy soul.  This is foundational for those believers who “ask it, name it and claim it.”  They translate it to mean faithful disciples enjoy good physical health, wealth and all other forms of prosperity for the balance of their earthly journeys.  Is this reading of the verse true to the apostle’s original intent?
• How do we balance this current interpretation with the Lord’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount?  “The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike.”
• In commending Gaius for his faithfulness in discipleship development, John challenges the readers of this letter to imitate his friend’s example.  The lack of faithfulness is the main indictment rendered against the seven churches of Asia Minor in the opening chapters of Revelation.  Admittedly, the oppression of Rome was fierce and intense.  Deranged leaders had no qualms with feeding Christians to the lions because their allegiance to Christ interfered with the prevalent Emperor worship mandated by the government.  Gaius personifies a steadfast spirit which encourages John as he prepares to exit the stage of life.  As the last original apostle, John wishes to die with the blessed assurance that the church he leaves will last until the Lord’s return.  The news from other disciples about Gaius’ perseverance relieves John’s anxiety.
• In the fourth verse, John says he has no greater joy than to hear this type of news.  Anyone who teaches whether professionally or as parents and in other walks of life can share John’s exuberance about his protégé’s spiritual progress.  Long-term disciples enjoy watching the personal development and spiritual progress of new believers.
• In the next paragraph of the letter, verses five to eight, John commends Gaius for his Christian hospitality which he demonstrates to strangers within the church.  Gaius shows Christ’s love by ensuring his fellow believers leave the beloved community with adequate provisions as they build the Lord’s kingdom.  John finds in this disciple a person who fulfills the new law of love.
• In sharing his resources (time, talent, tithe and temperament), Gaius honors the Lord.  A debate rages in the contemporary Church about whether tithing is binding for Christians.  Whereas I believe it is, I contend we give to spread the gospel and ensure the Church possesses resources to share the Lord’s love in practical and direct ways.  Each natural disaster affords the Church an opportunity to share Christ’s love without expecting anything in return.  Furthermore, we give to people who cannot repay us.  When we respond selflessly, we demonstrate Christian hospitality in accordance with the new law of love.  However, to do so, the Church must have financial and other resources.
• John reminds Gaius that his fellow believers are leaving to spread the good news of the Name of Jesus Christ who offers abundant and eternal life.  Not surprisingly, believers cannot expect the secular world to endorse or finance the work of local church ministry.  We who believe must demonstrate our commitment by undergirding it with our resources.
• He concludes this paragraph by mentioning how vital hospitality is to evangelizing and spreading the word of truth.  Consider Matthew 25 as a component of “The Great Commission.”
• John then turns to a difficult subject, betrayal in the Church.  As he writes to a close and trusted friend, he specifically discloses the dastardly deeds of Diotrephes.  Apparently a rather egotistical man, he insists on the honor of first place.  This demand violates the Lord’s teachings about humility.  To accomplish his objectives, Diotrephes spread “malicious nonsense” and refuses to admit anyone into the church that he believes will not adhere to his personal preferences.  Obviously, gossip, rumors, half truths, duplicity and innuendoes were as prevalent in the first century church as they are today.
• Diotrephes goes even further in violating the spirit of Christian love by objecting when other disciples want to do so.  He even forces them out of the church.  He is a stark contrast to Gaius. 
• Diotrephes betrays Christ’s teachings as he clings unreservedly to his self-seeking ways.
• John encourages Gaius to adhere to what is good as such a lifestyle demonstrates a genuine knowledge of Almighty God.   Knowledge of God is most evident in our actions not our verbal professions.  Our most reliable knowledge of God is relational and experiential.  The Spanish language has two words for “to know.”  Conocer means relational and experiential knowledge.  Saber means theoretical knowledge.  As disciples, demonstrate our knowledge of God through a lifestyle that reflects His holiness and truth.
• John commends another disciple, Demetrius, who is well respected throughout their region of the Church.
• His references to these other disciples show how important relationships were in the early Church.  Similarly, genuine friendships are just as significant in today’s Church as relationships are the foundation of good ministry.
• Again, John states his preference to relate in person rather than through writing.
• As a final act of encouragement, he offers greetings to Gaius from the believers in Asia Minor.