Overview
Greeting and Joy in Truth (Verses 1-4):
John addresses Gaius, commending him for his faithfulness and walking in truth. The elder expresses great joy in knowing that Gaius' spiritual "children" are also living in accordance with the Gospel.
Hospitality and Goodness (Verses 5-8):
John praises Gaius for showing hospitality to traveling preachers, stressing that such acts of kindness help further the cause of Christ. The commendation for being a doer of good deeds serves as an encouragement for the entire faith community.
Diotrephes and the Call for Integrity (Verses 9-12):
John turns his attention to Diotrephes, a church leader who is causing division and refusing to welcome the brethren. John promises to rectify the situation, contrasting the negative example of Diotrephes with the positive example of Demetrius.
3 John serves as a microcosm of church life, illuminating the dual responsibilities of hospitality and discernment within the Christian community. The letter is a nuanced call to be generous, yet cautious; to be humble, yet assertive when faced with divisive forces in the church. It's a practical guide for navigating the complexities that arise within any spiritual community.
John addresses Gaius, commending him for his faithfulness and walking in truth. The elder expresses great joy in knowing that Gaius' spiritual "children" are also living in accordance with the Gospel.
Hospitality and Goodness (Verses 5-8):
John praises Gaius for showing hospitality to traveling preachers, stressing that such acts of kindness help further the cause of Christ. The commendation for being a doer of good deeds serves as an encouragement for the entire faith community.
Diotrephes and the Call for Integrity (Verses 9-12):
John turns his attention to Diotrephes, a church leader who is causing division and refusing to welcome the brethren. John promises to rectify the situation, contrasting the negative example of Diotrephes with the positive example of Demetrius.
3 John serves as a microcosm of church life, illuminating the dual responsibilities of hospitality and discernment within the Christian community. The letter is a nuanced call to be generous, yet cautious; to be humble, yet assertive when faced with divisive forces in the church. It's a practical guide for navigating the complexities that arise within any spiritual community.
3 John 1
1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
🔑 Devotional
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
End of 3 John 1
1 Year Plan: Nov 29 - Dan 9, Dan 10, 3 Jn [next day]
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
🔑 Devotional
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
End of 3 John 1
1 Year Plan: Nov 29 - Dan 9, Dan 10, 3 Jn [next day]
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