3 John 1:1-15
1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love ina the truth.
2 Beloved, I wishb above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
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.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey afterc a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpersd to the truth.
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
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.
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.
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.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face toe face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
15
2 The prosperity of the soul must not be confounded with spiritual prosperity. Like the salvation of the soul (1Pe_1:9), it refers to that physical enjoyment and satisfaction which will be fully known in the coming kingdom. The Circumcision are promised all physical blessing on the earth; we are blessed with every spiritual blessing among the celestials (Eph_1:3). Such a salvation as this is not at all suited to our calling above in Christ Jesus.
7 "Getting nothing from those of the nations" is proof of the Jewish character of this note. If this were literally obeyed by those who proclaim the truth today, they would have no support whatever. This statement is like a flash of light in a dark place. It shows us that, in early days, there were two entirely distinct churches, one connected with the kingdom proclamation and the hope of Israel, which has since passed away, and the other connected with the preaching of Paul to the nations. Much of the confusion today Is the result of mingling truth intended for one church into that which belongs to the other. The truth found In the Circumcision epistles will come into play again after the present administration of grace has come to an end.
9 It Is significant that any man would dare to oppose an apostle. Diotrephes evidentiy did it in order to secure for himself the highest place in the ecclesia. There is no suggestion of any difference in doctrine. This spirit, which was severely condemned by our Lord, has been the cause of much harm to the saints. True servants of the Lord are taught by His example, and do not desire to exalt themselves, knowing well that He will abase such, and will Himself exalt all who truly deserve it in that day. Diotrephes exalted himself and, as a result, his name has been a by-word down the centuries since. Demetrius does not seem to have thought of himself yet his name is honored and his place a permanent one in the annals of the good. Three typical characters, Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius supply the topics of the letter. "The elder, Gaius", showed fidelity and hospitality. Pride of place seems to be the sin of Diotrephes. He rails against John and refuses his message, excommunicating from the church those who receive the brethren. Demetrius receives a triple commendation. He is testified to by all, by the truth, and by John.