III John
Purpose
Third John is the most personal glimpse in the New Testament of the daily life of the early churches, a short note from "the elder" to his beloved Gaius commending his faithful hospitality toward the traveling brothers, "especially when they are strangers." In an age when missionaries depended on the welcome of believers along the road, Gaius's generosity has become known to the wider church, and the elder urges him to "support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth." The letter's warmth is darkened by a sharp contrast: Diotrephes, who "likes to put himself first," refuses to welcome the brothers, slanders the elder with wicked words, and even puts out of the church those who would receive them. Against this self-exalting refusal, the elder commends Demetrius, "well spoken of by everyone, and by the truth itself," as one to welcome. The note closes with the elder's preference for face-to-face speech over much ink and paper, and a peace-wish for Gaius's health and soul, painting a tender picture of affection, gospel partnership, and the quiet contests of leadership in a young church.
Author
Anonymous; "the elder," traditionally John the apostle
Time Period
Written c. 85-95 AD
Key Themes
- Hospitality for the truth
- Fellow workers in mission
- Faithful vs. self-exalting leadership
- Walking in the truth
- Imitating good
Outline
A single chapter: greeting to Gaius; joy over his walking in the truth and his hospitality toward the brothers; the appeal to send them on their way worthily; the censure of Diotrephes's proud refusal and slander; the commendation of Demetrius; the hope to see Gaius soon "face to face"; and a peace-wish with the greetings of friends.