Lesson 1Introduction to Third John;“The Importance of Truth”

3 John 1-14Page 1

The Third Epistle of John

THE AUTHOR: All three epistles seem have the same author,

the apostle John“The Elder” is the same description that the

author gives of himself in Second John.

Introduction to Third John

THE PURPOSE: It appears that the messengers sent to carry the

first letter to the churches had been rebuffed by one or more members of a local congregation

John is then forced to send his message to an individual member of that church

He gave a stern warning of retribution to a power-hungry leader in the church

Introduction to Third John

THE THEME:The local church to which John had sent his

initial warnings about the gnostic threat had been substantially tainted by the selfish ambitions of one or more of its leaders.

John was not willing for the abuses of some to keep needed teaching from the rest.

He intended to address personally the problems within this church.

He wants those who had tried to do right to continue in their faithful efforts to obey the truth.

Introduction to Third John

1 The Elder,

To the beloved Gaius, whom I love 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.

Third John 1-4

Gaius had a love of the truth John had heard that he was “walking in truth”It should not be difficult to give affection to

others of like mind.

1…To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth…”

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

To the Beloved Gaius3 John

1-4

John prayed that Gaius – May prosper in all things, andBe in healthJust as his soul prospers

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Beloved, I Pray…3 John

1-4

John had received a report from some brethren.The messengers could see that the truth was in

Gaius as well as that Gaius was in the truth.John rejoiced greatly over this news.

3  For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.

Beloved, I Pray…3 John

1-4

A teacher has no greater satisfaction than to see his influence manifested in the lives of his students.

John had great joy hearing about Gaius

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Beloved, I Pray…3 John

1-4

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.

Third John 5-8

This is a commendation of Gaius for his personal treatment of John’s messengers.

He showed hospitality to “brethren and strangers”

5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,…

Beloved, you do faithfully…3 John 5-

8

He had given them “royal treatment” that was “worthy” of God.

In this he had done well.

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,…

Beloved, you do faithfully…3 John 5-

8

John’s messengers had taken on a difficult and dangerous task when they set out to deliver the First Epistle to this church.

Their mission was to benefit the Lord's “name”.

They were not taking help from the Gentiles.

7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

Beloved, you do faithfully…3 John 5-

8

Not everyone can “go into all the world” and take the gospel as these letter-carriers had done.

But, everyone can give appropriate support to the efforts of those who do go.

Those who “share” in their labors are “fellow workers.”

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

Beloved, you do faithfully…3 John 5-

8

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves 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.

Third John 9-10

A great opportunity had been lost by this troubled church.

How anxious they should have been to receive John’s messengers!

This church turned away their only hope of having the divine guidance to defeat the gnostics.

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes…3 John 9-

10

The problem in this group of Christians was in the leadership.

At the center of the problem was Diotrephes.He insisted on being the “boss” in everything

in that church.He refused to “receive” anyone who might take

attention away from him.

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes…3 John 9-

10

Diotrephes seemed unconcerned that his actions involved other members of the church.

At least two other members--Gaius and Demetrius--did not share his attitude.

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.

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes…3 John 9-

10

John seems to already have resolved to handle this ungodly situation personally.

It was probably not “if” I come, but “when” I come.

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.

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes…3 John 9-

10

This man was a Christian in the eyes of menHe loved pre-eminence among men.He had the audacity [daring, bold] to prate [to

talk foolishly, a babbler] against the apostles.He would not receive the brethren.He forbade the people in the church not to

receive them. If any did, he threatened to cast them from the

churchHe used malicious [hateful, spiteful] words.

An Unsavory Character – Diotrephes3 John 9-

10

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.

Third John 11-12

But “what is good.”It is extremely confusing and troubling when

young Christians get “mixed signals” about what constitutes Christian living.

Leaders of congregations must set godly examples for others

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.

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil…3 John

11-12

Demetrius had a “good testimony” from everyone, because his behavior, unlike Diotrephes’, was from the truth.

He was a good example to follow.

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.

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil…3 John

11-12

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.

Third John 13-14

The personal contact of the apostle was needed with the faithful and with the unfaithful.

The faithful needed John’s strong encouragement to be steadfast in the truth.

The unfaithful needed John’s personal denouncement of their unscriptural activities.

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.

“I had many things to write...” 3 John

13-14

This need was urgent. He hoped to come shortly to “speak” to both

sides face to face

14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face.

“I had many things to write...” 3 John

13-14

A final word to those who wanted to do what was right in God’s eyes-- “Peace to you.”

14 …Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

“I had many things to write...” 3 John

13-14

These “friends” would pray for them and would do anything possible to assist them in their struggles to be faithful to their Lord

14 …Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

“I had many things to write...” 3 John

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1.John repeats the description of himself that he used in 2John. What is it?

2.Two Christians, _________________ and _______________ were commended by John for their faithfulness. ___________________ is condemned because of unfaithfulness.

Third John - QUESTIONS

3. John prayed that Gaius would enjoy both __________ and ______________ health. (vs. 2) Are both important? Why? Which is more important? (See Mark 8:36)

4. Two relationships to the truth must be maintained by the Christian. What are they? (vs. 3)

5. What special joy is possible for a teacher of truth to experience that is not possible for those who never convert others to Christ? (vs. 4) What is the “flip side” of that joy?

Third John - QUESTIONS

6. Gaius was commended for showing hospitality and kindness to two classes of people, the _____________________ and __________________. (vs. 5) What lesson did Jesus teach His disciples about this? (See Matthew 5:46,47)

7.Two contrasts are found in Second and Third John about fellowship. How do they differ? (2John 9-11; 3John 6-8)

Third John - QUESTIONS

8. What was Diotrephes’ basic problem? (vs. 9) What had he done because of this attitude? (vs. 9,10)

9. Those who do evil “have not seen God.” How does anyone see God? (See John 1:18; 1John 4:12.)

10. Demetrius had a good reputation that came from two sources. What were they? (vs. 12)

Third John - QUESTIONS