Exegesis on the 3rd Epistle of John

1. Everlasting Mercy Fellowship

2.  1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I
pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good
health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when
the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are
walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my
children are walking in the truth. 5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you
do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who
testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send
them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have
gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the
Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we
may be fellow workers for the truth. 9 I have written something to
the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not
acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is
doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with
that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who
want to and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate
evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever
does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good
testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our
testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I had much
to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I
hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to
you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.

4.  3 men…
 The epistle is addressed to Gaius in order that
the issue of hospitality might be dealt with.
Gaius had previously worked w/Paul (see Acts
19:29; Acts 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1st Corinthians
1:14; 3rd John 1:1)
 At the writing of the epistle, Gaius & Diotrephes
were church leaders. Diotrephes, who is a
wayward leader, used his authority improperly
(see 3rd John 1:10).
 A comparison is drawn between Gaius &
Demetrius behavior & Diotrephes behavior
which was “imitating evil” as opposed to
“imitating good” (see 3rd John 1:11). We’re going
to look at all 3 men mentioned by John.

5.  Gaius
 Beloved (see 3rd John 1:2)
 Walked in truth (see 3rd John 1:3; Psalm 86:11)
 His testimony had veracity (see 3rd John 1:3)
 Referred to as "Child of John“ (see 3rd John 1:4)
 His behavior matched his spiritual father
 Practiced hospitality (see 3rd John 1:5-8; Romans
12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1st Peter 4:9)
1. He was faithful to contribute to the need of the saints
by showing them hospitality.
2. He showed his kindness by being hospitable to brothers
he didn’t know – he didn’t have to build w/them 1st.
3. His display of hospitality demonstrated his
understanding of missiology (see Mark 6:10-12)
4. He encouraged itinerant gospel preachers by
supporting them w/his hospitality.

6.  Diotrephes
 Placed himself 1st, his needs above everybody
else's (see 3rd John 1:9; Philippians 2:3-4; James
3:16)
 Didn't acknowledge apostolic authority (see 3rd
john 1:9; Hebrews 13:17)
 Participated in gossip (phluarOn – to bubble up)
(see 3rd John 1:9-10; Ephesians 4:31)
 Didn't practice hospitality (see 3rd John 1:10-11)
▪ Prevented other believers from practicing hospitality
through use of his authority.
▪ Disciplined people who practiced hospitality by revoking
their church membership.

7.  Demetrius
 There are 2 Demetrius’ mentioned in scripture.
This 1, who is clearly a brother & Demetrius the
Silversmith who was responsible for creating a
riot in Ephesus (see Acts 19:23-Acts 20:1).
 Demetrius has a solid testimony
▪ Verified by all those who know him (see 3rd John 1:12).
▪ Verified by the truth which is another way of saying he
was verified by his fruit (see 3rd John 1:12; Matthew
12:34).
▪ Verified by the apostles who stake their own credibility
on it (see 3rd John 1:12).

8.  3rd John 1:11 parallels 1st John 4:20.
 Do not imitate evil (Diotrephes) but
imitate good (Gaius & Demetrius).
 Love for an unseen God demands love for
visible believers.
 Failure to do so shows a misunderstanding
of fellowship with God & fellow believers
who God loves & gave His grace to.

9.  Fundamentals of the faith, lesson 6 &
listen to the John MacArthur sermon,
Exchanging a living death for a dying life
 Introduction to the gospel of John.