studies in John 22

STUDIES IN FIRST, SECOND & THIRD JOHN

Lesson 22 Third John

3 John 1:1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
John is writing to a brother who has a very special place in his affections - - in the truth (see previous lesson on 2nd John)

B. Gaius - (Rom 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
1 Cor 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;) was baptized by Paul at Corinth, and for a while, at least, entertained the entire church in his house. He later accompanied Paul as a helper and was caught in a riot at Ephesus.
Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
Tradition says he was bishop of Pergamos

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
John prays that Gaius might have as many temporal blessings (health and wealth) as he has spiritual blessings.

3 John 1:3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
John has received a report of the faithfulness of his old friend and co-worker.
To fully understand these passages, we must learn the methods of mission work at that time, especially under apostolic authority, (see Philemon) and the fluid state of the entire population at this stage of the Roman Empire.

1. Churches sent gifts to missionaries by the hand of members of the local churches.
Phil 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

2. These often stayed for a while to aid the missionaries as co-laborers.
Col 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Col 4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea and them in Hierapolis.

3. When these missionary helpers were sent on a mission by the missionary, the churches were to help them on their way.
1 Cor 16:10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
1 Cor 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
Rom 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Rom 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

4. These missions were sometimes to report to the churches on the progress of the work and the needs.
Eph 6:22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Col 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:
Col 4:8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
Col 4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

5. Helpers were sent home after a period of service
Phil 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
Phil 2:26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
Phil 2:27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Phil 2:28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Phil 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
Phil 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

3 John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not
3 John 1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Diotrophes - - a man so jealous of his position of usurped authority that he was willing to defy all authority and even destroy the church to maintain it. Gaius and Diotrophes might well have been leaders of two opposing factions in the same church. Pergamos?
Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; Note the sword with two edges.
Rev 2:13 I know thy works and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

The division in this church.
Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
Diotrophes was definitely a nicolaitane!

3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
A personal decision - when two leaders divide a church you must decide which to follow. How? By the word!

3 John 1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Demetrius - (same one as in Acts 19:24?)
Acts 19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
If so, then he is the instigator of the riot that almost destroyed Gaius.
Now he gets an 'A' on his report card to his present church.

A. From all men. Our conduct toward the outside must be good.
B. From the truth. We must be doctrinally sound.

C. From the Apostle himself.

3 John 1:13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
3 John 1:14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
A personal visit is better than words on paper

This concludes this series of lessons