As we approach our study in III John, this epistle will really manifest that the essence of one’s character will be exhibited in his behaviour. This very instructive letter may be outlined as follows: I. Walking in the Truth (v. 1-8) (Gaius’ Character and Good Conduct); II. Walking in Error (v. 9-14) (Diotrephes’ Arrogance and Evil Conduct).
- Walking in the Truth (v. 1-8) (Gaius’ Character and Good Conduct)
In verse 1, III John was specifically addressed to an individual named Gaius. This verse reveals the elder’s attitude of love toward Gaius. The love that Apostle John exhibited to Gaius was grounded in the truth, meaning that it was genuine and according to God’s truth.
The Apostle expressed in verse 2 his desire for the temporal welfare of Gaius, as well as his spiritual welfare. The Apostle was elated in learning from other brethren about Gaius’ faithfulness to the truth (v. 3). Gaius’ sterling walk in the truth was being commended by the Apostle John. Gaius’ manner of life was in accord with God’s truth! The Apostle John continued to express his elation in hearing that his children were walking in the truth (v. 4)
In verse 5, Gaius is being commended by the Apostle John for his generous hospitality to Christian travelers (preachers and strangers). Gaius’ generous hospitality was evident that he was faithful to the truth of God. The report of Gaius’ commendable hospitality had reached the church where John was (v. 6). If the Apostle John was at the Jerusalem church, then Gaius’ hospitality was well heard of. Gaius’ generous hospitality extended to traveling brethren was certainly well pleasing.
The service of generosity exhibited by Gaius had gone out for the sake of the Name, the Lord’s (v. 7). It was indeed an honor for Gaius to go out in the Name of Christ. The Lord’s servants who went out did not receive any help from the pagans. By extending faithful hospitality, believers like Gaius are working together for the truth (v. 8).
- Walking in Error (v. 9-14) (Diotrephes’ Arrogance and Evil Conduct)
In verse 9, we are introduced to a man named Diotrephes, who according to the Apostle John was motivated by a love for preeminence in the church. Diotrephes was in opposition to John’s appeal in extending help to travelling brethren. In verse 10, the Apostle John was confident that he could deal with the disastrous behaviour of Diotrephes. Diotrephes was guilty of spreading malicious words against those whom he was not prepared to receive, namely John’s representatives.
Diotrephes also refused to welcome the brethren. Diotrephes also stopped those who wanted to help extend hospitality by putting them out of the church. In verse 11, unlike Diotrephes, Gaius was exhorted to imitate what is not evil but what is good. Gaius’ character reflects his relationship with God. The one who does evil reflects a dampened spiritual perception of God.
In verse 12, as Gaius’ character testified to what is good, he would extend hospitality to Demetrius, for Demetrius was well reported of by others. In verses 13-14, John closes this epistle, hoping to communicate soon with others face to face. The Apostle wished Gaius peace and extended greetings from friends.
May God Bless!
Dr . Johnny Calvin Smith
