I, a ruler in the church, send word to the well loved Gaius, for whom I have true love.
My loved one, it is my prayer that you may do well in all things, and be healthy in body, even as your soul does well.
For it gave me great joy when some of the brothers came and gave witness that you had the true faith and were walking in the true way.
I have no greater joy than to have news that my children are walking in the true way.
My loved one, you are doing a good work in being kind to those brothers who come from other places;
Who have given witness to the church of your love for them: and you will do well to send them on their way well cared for, as is right for servants of God:
For they went out for love of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
So it is right for us to take in such men as guests, so that we may take our part in the work of the true faith.
I sent a letter to the church, but Diotrephes, whose desire is ever to have the first place among them, will not have us there.
So if I come, I will keep in mind the things he does, talking against us with evil words: and as if this was not enough, he does not take the brothers into his house, and those who are ready to take them in, he keeps from doing so, putting them out of the church if they do.
My loved one, do not be copying what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God: he who does evil has not seen God.
Demetrius has the approval of all men and of what is true: and we give the same witness, and you are certain that our witness is true.
I had much to say to you, but it is not my purpose to put it all down with ink and pen:
But I am hoping to see you in a short time, and to have talk with you face to face.
May you have peace. Your friends here send you their love. Give my love to our friends by name.
The book of 3 John is one of the shortest epistles in the New Testament, consisting of only 14 verses. Despite its brevity, it offers profound insights into early Christian life, relationships, and the importance of truth and hospitality. This chapter is primarily a personal letter addressing specific individuals and situations, making it a rich source for understanding early Christian community dynamics.
3 John is attributed to the Apostle John and is written to a man named Gaius. The letter opens with a warm greeting and quickly establishes its intent: to commend Gaius for his faithfulness and love. The overarching theme of this chapter revolves around truth, support for fellow believers, and the implications of leadership within the church.
The chapter begins with a personal salutation that highlights the relational nature of early Christian communication. John addresses Gaius as "the elder," which underscores his authority but also reflects his bond with the recipient. This greeting sets an intimate tone, indicating the importance of personal relationships in fostering a sense of community.
In verses 3-4, John expresses immense joy at hearing that Gaius is walking in the truth. This concept of “truth” is central to Christian teaching, signifying adherence to the teachings of Christ and living in accordance with God's will.
Verses 5-8 shift focus to the theme of hospitality. John commends Gaius for his support of traveling missionaries. This is particularly crucial in the first-century church, where itinerant preachers depended on the hospitality of believers to spread the Gospel.
In verses 9-10, John expresses concern about a man named Diotrephes, who is causing division within the church. Diotrephes refuses to acknowledge John's authority and has been expelling members for their hospitality towards missionaries.
In contrast to Diotrephes, John acknowledges Demetrius in verses 11-12 as a person of good reputation and truth. By commending Demetrius, John exemplifies the ideal Christian character—faithful, reputable, and aligned with the truth of Christ.
The chapter concludes with a respectful farewell as John expresses a desire to visit Gaius. He reiterates the importance of community and personal connection, summing up the essence of early Christian fellowship.
3 John Chapter 1 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of truth, hospitality, and the impact of leadership in the Christian community. By examining the relational dynamics between John, Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius, readers can glean valuable lessons on how to live authentically within their faith communities.
This chapter's focus on personal relationships and community values resonates with contemporary issues within the church, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of Christian living. As a brief but powerful epistle, 3 John encourages believers to prioritize truth, support one another, and reflect Christ's love through their actions.