3 John 1-8

Background

3 John is the shortest book in the entire Bible, consisting of 15 verses. The overall theme of the book is John commending those who walk in the truth and condemning the wicked within the Church.

3 John 1-4

John identifies himself as “the elder,” and though there is some debate on the identity of the person, he was certainly familiar with his audience, to the point that the recipients would know who he was by his title.

AUTHOR.

At the time of this writing, tradition informs us that John was the last living apostle, much deserving of the title “elder” (1 Pet. 5:1).

Early church fathers tell us that John was the author of his Gospel, the 3 letters, and Revelation.

Writing styles are also very consistent in all of his writings, and in fact John refuses to identify himself by name in all but Revelation.

John addresses this personal letter to one recipient, Gaius, who is “beloved.” This is a common term of Christian endearment (Rom. 1:7; 2 Tim. 1:2; Phm 1:1).

Love is a common theme in John’s writings, especially in his letters. His love both reflects Christian family affection and the truth of the gospel.

John’s desire for Gaius is that he prospers both physically and spiritually.

Notice the order they are listed. John wants his health to prosper just as his soul prospers.

Spiritual health is just as, if not more, important than physical health. It should be the foundation of our well-being.

Jesus: Mark 8:36-37.

We must train ourselves spiritually (1 Tim. 4:6-8).

John knows that Gaius is prospering spiritually because others in the faith shared about how he is living.

The evidence of our faith shows through in our lives.

It is how we can tell if someone is true to the faith: 2 Thess. 1:3-5.

It is also how we can tell if someone is false: Matt. 7:15-20.

We are called to walk according to our faith: Eph. 4:1-3.

If the Spirit dwells within us, we will bear fruit: Gal. 5:22-25.

John apparently led Gaius to Christ. As his spiritual father, he has no greater joy in his life than knowing his children are continuing in the faith.

3 John 5-8

John is now commending Gaius for the love that he has shown to others in the Church, particularly through his hospitality.

We as believers are called, commanded by Christ, to love one another (John 13:34-35; 15:12-17).

Paul also - Rom. 12:9-13.

We are expected to show hospitality to those who come to us in the faith (Heb. 13:1-2).

This was also taught in the Law: Lev. 19:34.

The idea here is to take care of those who our sharing the gospel of God - particularly missionaries.

It was common, especially for Paul, to not take a wage (1 Cor. 9:11-15, 18; 2 Cor. 11:7-9).

Notice that it was other churches who provided for Paul’s needs.

Gaius provided for the missionaries so that they took nothing from their audience, the Gentiles.

By supporting missionaries, we participate in the work that they are doing (Phil. 1:3-5; 4:14-18)

Here is where we will stop for today, but there are some things of note to discuss:

APPLICATION

Spiritual health is just as, if not more, important than physical health. It should be the foundation of our well-being.

The evidence of our faith shows through in our lives.

Next week, we will finish up the book of 3 John.