CHAPTER

3 John 1

1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
See also: 1 John 3:18, Romans 16:23, 1 Corinthians 1:14, 2 John 1:1-13, Acts 19:29
2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
See also: 2 Peter 1:3-9, 2 Peter 3:18, 1 Peter 4:8, Colossians 1:4-6, 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14
3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
See also: 2 John 1:4, 2 John 1:2, Romans 1:8-9, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-9, Psalms 119:11
Referenced by: 1 Corinthians 13:6, 2 John 1:4, Philemon 1:7
4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
See also: Galatians 4:19, 2 Timothy 1:2, 2 Kings 20:3, Proverbs 23:24, 1 Timothy 1:2
5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
See also: Galatians 6:10
6They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,
See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:12
7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn't accept what we say.
See also: Titus 1:7-16, Luke 22:24-27
10Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn't receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
11Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen God.
See also: Isaiah 1:16-17, Psalms 37:27, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Peter 3:11, John 3:20
Referenced by: 1 Thessalonians 5:15
12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
See also: 1 Timothy 3:7, John 21:24, Acts 22:12, John 19:35, Acts 10:22
13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
See also: 2 John 1:12
14but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Referenced by: Philippians 2:24

▶Commentary

I. The sacred penman writes and sends the letter, referred to as "The elder," meaning by years and office, deserving honor. Some question whether this was John the apostle, but his style and spirit are evident. Gaius could not question who wrote it. John humbly refers to himself as "the elder," aligning with ordinary church pastors. II. The recipient is Gaius, a well-beloved individual, possibly the same Gaius mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:23. John expresses his love for him "in the truth," for walking in truth, which shows true love rooted in the gospel. III. John prays for Gaius, asking for the prosperity of both his soul and body. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing, often housed in a fragile body, but the desire for both spiritual and physical well-being is evident.

I. John receives a good report of Gaius's faith and charity from the brethren. Gaius’s love for the brethren and hospitality to strangers proves his sincerity in the faith. II. Gaius is commended for his hospitality, a virtue extended to strangers and those of different churches. III. John expresses great joy in hearing of Gaius's walk in truth. This reflects the joy of ministers when they see their followers living out their faith. IV. John advises Gaius to continue supporting the brethren by aiding them on their journeys in a godly manner, reflecting Christian generosity. V. The brethren went forth preaching for God's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. John emphasizes the need for the church to support such ministers, as they help propagate the truth.

I. Diotrephes, unlike Gaius, loved preeminence and refused apostolic authority, spreading malicious words. He did not accept John’s letter and discouraged others from showing hospitality, casting them out of the church. John warns that he will address this behavior when he visits. II. John cautions against following Diotrephes’ evil example and encourages believers to imitate what is good, for those who do good are of God, while those who do evil have not seen God.

I. Demetrius, on the other hand, has a good report from all and of the truth itself. John and others also bear witness to his character, and Gaius can trust this testimony. Demetrius was likely well known to both John’s church and Gaius's. II. John closes the letter expressing a desire to see Gaius soon and wishing him peace. He also sends greetings from mutual friends and instructs Gaius to greet their friends by name, indicating a personal connection.

▶Sermons

Audio

(Through the Bible) Philippians 1
Chuck Smith · 59:12
Paul's letter to the Philippians emphasizes the importance of contentment, fellowship, and serving Jesus, even in difficult circumstances.
To the Beloved Gaius
Bob Bruton · 18:16
The sermon explores the character of Gaius as a model believer and contrasts him with Diotrephes, emphasizing the importance of truth, love, and support for ministry.
Ephesians (Part 3)
Les Wheeldon · 1:02:01
The sermon emphasizes the importance of bowing our knees to Jesus Christ and resigning our insistence on our own way, allowing God's holy and authoritative presence to take its rightful place in our hearts.
(Genesis) 27 - the Faith of the Father of the Faithful: Uncompromising
S. Lewis Johnson · 55:15
The sermon explores the faith of Abram, the father of the faithful, and its significance for Christian living, highlighting the importance of uncompromising faith, giving ministry without appealing to those who do not know the truth, and studying the Bible.
Dividing Brothers Hinders Personal Revival
Alan Martin · 1:22:48
Alan Martin teaches that divisions and judgments among Christian brothers hinder personal revival and that believers must embrace love and unity as God has ordained.
(Clip) Having A Low Estimation Of Yourself
Doug Detert · 3:48
Doug Detert emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against having an inflated self-estimation, urging believers to let God shape their self-view.
Fullness of God
John McGregor · 44:37
John McGregor emphasizes that Christians are called to embody the fullness of God by being different, imitating God’s character, and walking in love within their families and communities.
The Remnant Church Being Defiant In This Hour Of Trial And Compromise
Scott Hynds · 29:33
Scott Hynds exhorts the remnant church to remain defiant and steadfast in proclaiming the gospel and standing against compromise and satanic agendas in these challenging end times.
Facing Warfare Against The Soul
Warren Henderson · 50:24
Warren Henderson teaches that believers must abstain from fleshly lusts and submit to God's ordained authorities to protect their souls and glorify God amid spiritual warfare.

Text

Holiness and the Sanctification of the Body
Samuel Logan Brengle
The sermon emphasizes the importance of sanctifying the body, making it a holy temple for God's Spirit to dwell in, and living a life that pleases God.
According to the Power That Worketh in Us
A.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson's sermon highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in bringing both internal strength and external blessings to believers.
The Church, Visible and Invisible
Milton Haney
Milton Haney's sermon explores the distinction between the Invisible and Visible Church, emphasizing the importance of true membership and the challenges faced by organized bodies of believers throughout history.
A Kind Inquiry
James Smith
The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual health and provides a guide for examining one's spiritual state and seeking remedies for spiritual sickness.
The Ministry of Letter Writing
A.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson teaches that the New Testament letters reveal profound lessons on humility, Christian love, faithful service, and the vital role of personal and missionary correspondence in nurturing the Church.
Epistle 221
George Fox
The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying in the power of God, which is everlasting and perfect, and walking in the truth to maintain peace and fellowship.
'A Letter as to the Truth and Those Who Hold It' (3 John)
H.J. Vine
The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining Paul's doctrine and being faithful to the truth, while also receiving and helping the brethren.
The Lord Our Healer - Part 1
Paris Reidhead
The Lord desires for His people to prosper and be in health, even as their soul prospers, and He has made provision for their healing through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
All Hail
A.B. Simpson
Christ's message of 'hail' is a prayer for our health, a promise, and a command.
(Missionary Messages) 3. NEW TESTAMENT MISSIONARY TYPES
A.B. Simpson
A.B. Simpson illustrates various New Testament missionary types, emphasizing diverse roles and qualities essential for effective missionary work and the supreme call to evangelize the world.
Peter's Salutation
Clement of Rome
The sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring the truth and the rewards that come from it, including eternal blessings and kindness.
3 John
Daniel Steele
The sermon on 3 John explores the contrasting behaviors of Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius to illustrate key Christian virtues and vices.
3. St. John's Literary Activity
Daniel Steele
Daniel Steele explores St. John's literary activity, emphasizing his contributions to early Christian theology through his writings.
Day 238, 3 John
David Servant
The sermon emphasizes the importance of showing hospitality to true Christian missionaries and exposing hypocrisy in leadership, while also encouraging believers to support national missionaries and use their resources to spread the truth.
Our Daily Homily - 3 John
F.B. Meyer
The sermon emphasizes the importance of glorifying God's name and welcoming God's honored servants, while trusting in God's provision.
Epistle 204
George Fox
The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the power of God, which brings life, immortality, and fellowship with God.
Epistle 358
George Fox
The sermon emphasizes the importance of truth, its unchanging nature, and its power to bring justice, equity, and righteousness, and to unite all in oneness.
Living Complaints
J.C. Philpot
The sermon explores the experience of a living soul in its pantings and longings after God's manifested favor, highlighting the deep conviction of God's omniscience, groaning under a sense of pain, and panting after God's presence.
Expository Thoughts On Matthew - Matthew 10:34-42
J.C. Ryle
J.C. Ryle teaches that the Gospel inevitably brings division and suffering, but faithful service to Christ is always noticed and rewarded by God.
2 John
Peter Hammond
The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in truth and love, and warns against the dangers of false teachers and the importance of resisting antichrists.
'God Is Faithful'
Samuel Logan Brengle
Being faithful in the least things is essential for being entrusted with greater responsibilities and entering into the joy of the Lord.

▶People

MENTIONS God
MENTIONS Demetrius