3 John

Like 2nd John, this letter is extremely short. Below you will find a summary of its contents and some application points (the application points are a collection from both 2nd and 3rd John). 

This letter was written by ‘the elder’ (also thought to be the Apostle John) to his ‘dear friend Gaius.’ Gaius was a great example of one marked by both truth (obedience to the commands) and love (specifically, to traveling ministers). In contrast to Gaius was a man named Diotrephes. Seemingly due to love for power, this man rejected the elder, the traveling ministers, and any who supported them. It was probably his inhospitable attitude that necessitated this personal letter to Gaius so that he could receive Demetrius (a traveling minister) warmly.

1.     It is utterly important that a local church (let alone the individuals within it) be marked by both truth and love. Unhealthy churches value one or the other.

2.     Both faith and love are commanded in 2^nd John. Some object that you can’t command someone to believe something or to love someone, but this fails to understand the biblical meanings of these words. Faith is active obedience and love is active care. Actions may be commanded.

3.     There is at tendency to emphasize the universality of the Father at the expense of the particularity of the Son. This move is considered to be religious progress, but is actually spiritual suicide.

4.     The church must guard against teaching and teachers who deny the full reality of Jesus Christ. Showing hospitality to such people is sharing in their wicked work.

5.     The church has an obligation to show hospitality to traveling ministers. By showing hospitality, they share in their righteous work.

6.     False teaching is not the only threat to the church. Power seekers wreak havoc in the church and should be exposed.

7.     We need not create an attitude of suspicion toward traveling ministers if they come with references from those we trust.