Third John:

[Rob Morgan]

Third John:

Third John is the shortest book in the Bible, but it is very personal and vivid. If offers a stark contrast between two men who respond in opposite ways to the itinerant teachers who have been sent out by the apostle. The faithful Gaius responds with generosity and hospitality, but the faithless Diotrephes responds with arrogance and opposition. Thus, John writes this letter to commend Gaius for walking in the truth (vv. 1-8) and to condemn Diotrephes for walking in error (vv. 9-l 4).

Commendation of Gaius (vv. l-8): The "elder" writes to one of his beloved "children" whose godly behavior has given the apostles great joy (vv. 1-4). The "brethren" upon returning to John, have informed his of Gaius 'faithfulness, love, and generosity in their behalf. The apostle acknowledges these actions and urges Gaius to continue supporting traveling teachers and missionaries who go out "for His (Jesus’) Name’s sake" (vv. 5-8).

Condemnation of Diotrephes (vv. 9-14): The epistle suddenly shifts to a negative note as John describes a man whose actions are diametrically opposed to those of Gaius (vv. 9-l l). Diotrephes boldly rejects John’s apostolic authority and refuses to receive the itinerant teachers sent out by the apostle. Diotrephes evidently has been orthodox in his doctrine, but his evil actions indicate blindness to God in his practice.

By contrast, John gives his full recommendation to Demetrius, another emissary and probably the bearer of this letter to Gaius (v. l2). John expresses his hope of a personal visit in the closing remarks (vv. 13-14), as he does in Second John.