3 John

     1-4.  John addresses “the beloved Gaius” (cf. Acts 19:29; 20:4; Ro. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14).  There is no way to know how many men have this name in the NT.  It is remotely possible they were all the same man, and some even say that the Gaius at Corinth may also have been called Titius Justus (Acts 18:7).  What we do know is that John considered this Gaius to be a solid believer whom he loved “in truth” (i.e., in the Lord).  He was a man commended for his hospitality, and like Titius Justice, the church may have met in his home, though we cannot know in this case where that church was.  He was obedient to the gospel, for he “walked in the truth.”  That is, he believed in Jesus, and obeyed his commandment that we love one another (cf. 1 John 3:23; 2 John 4-6).

     5-8.  Gaius is commended and encouraged for his aid and hospitality to traveling evangelists.  In supporting such men, we become their fellow workers with the truth (8).  They accepted nothing from the Gentiles (7).  Since Gaius was himself no doubt a Gentile, John evidently applies this term to all who have yet to come to saving faith, at which point God considers them grafted into the Israel of God (cf. Ro. 11:17; Gal. 3:7, 29; 6:16), and thus spiritually no longer Gentiles.

     9-12.  Diotrephes was apparently a man with great authority, and a power abuser who tolerated no rivals.  He would not accept the letters of John (9), nor would he receive the brethren, even forbidding others to show them hospitality, and putting them out of the church (10).  It is clear that the hospitable Gaius was under threat from such a man, and perhaps that is the primary reason for this letter, to strengthen Gaius in well doing (11).  V.10 is counterpoint to 2 John 10, which forbids hospitality to false teachers.  Diotrephes forbids it to teachers of the truth!

     Demetrius perhaps carries this letter, or perhaps he is a good man put out by Diotrephes?  In any case, he is recommended as a man of the truth who is to be honored.

     13-14.  This conclusion is much like 2 John 12.  There are things better dealt with in person than by letter.  One of those things no doubt is Diotrephes, who may well find out what real power is when the apostle arrives (cf. 1 Cor. 4:18-21).

     Peace be to you (14); in Scripture, peace has a broader meaning than the absence of conflict.  It also means prosperity and blessing.

     The friends greet you; cf. 2 John 13.

     Greet the friends by name; cf. the Name (7), which means the name of Jesus.  Also, compare Jesus’ words:  The good shepherd “calls his own sheep by name” (John 10:3).  “I know My own, and My own know Me” (John 10:14).