THIRD EPISTLE OF JOHN.
INTRODUCTION.
The thought and language of this epistle are so similar to the second, and the style and tone so similar to the first, that no question, it seems to me, can arise as to the identity of the authorship of all three. John undoubtedly wrote this letter, as he did the first and the second. The purpose had in writing was much the same as it was in writing the former letter. To commend Gaius for his Christian conduct, and to exhort him to a faithful continuance therein, cover all the purposes indicated in the epistle. As to the date of this epistle, as it was with the second, so of this, but little certainty can be stated. It was probably written, as was also the second, at a later period of the apostle's life than the first epistle. He designated himself again as the elder. This must surely point to the advanced age of the writer. He hesitates not in applying to himself this designation, and it strikes me that it is done by him as though he were claiming some pre-eminence therein. It can not apply to him as an official officer of a local congregation. The authority of an apostle would, in this particular, be all that could in any possible contingency be required. Hence, I conclude that the term elder is used by the apostle by way of reference to his age merely, if it does not denote the matter of his being the last survivor of the twelve. The epistle was not written earlier than A. D. 90.
ANALYSIS OF THE EPISTLE.
John writes to Gaius, and first expresses the fact that, in his estimation, his character is lovable, and that the writer has great affection for him in the gospel. He then shows his great desire that Gaius may prosper both in body and in spirit. Following this, he expresses the great satisfaction it was to him to learn from brethren who came to him, that Gaius was loving and walking in the truth of the gospel which he had received. He tells Gaius that it is his greatest source of joy to know that those he has induced to follow the Master are so doing faithfully. He tells him that his conduct in receiving the brethren and strangers is commendable, and his helping the laborer in the Lord's vineyard in the proclamation of the truth, is well-doing; in this you become a fellow-helper. Diotrephes, who acted contrary to this view of Christian duty, and even went so far as to revile the apostle with words of malice, will be remembered when the apostle shall come to that place. He admonishes Gaius to follow the good and not the evil, assuring him that the good is what God requires, while those that do wrong have no true conception of God. He then commends Demetrius, who is also commended by all. All spoke favorably of him, and to this good reputation the apostle adds his own testimony to the good character of Demetrius. The apostle then declares that many things he desired to communicate to Gaius he would do in person and not by pen, and expresses a hope that they should soon meet. Wishing him peace, he then expresses the salutation of friends, and closes by desiring the friends to be greeted in his name.