The Third Epistle of John was written in
Ephesus about 90-110 AD, apparently by the same author or authors
who wrote the Gospel of John and the other two epistles of John.
This book summarizes what you have learned from the Epistles of John
and how to apply it to life. 1The
elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. It
is said that Gaius ran an inn to take care of those teaching God's
Word. Helped those who taught the truth along the way. 2Beloved,
I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth. John praying that all is well
with Gaius, and that his health is as healthy as his soul. Doing
God's work they prospered spiritually as well as physically. 3For
I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the
truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. Fulfilling
the commandments of God and living by the standards of the Gospel. 4I
have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. John
could have heard of no greater joy than to see these children of God
walk in truth. 5Beloved,
thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to
strangers. Taking care of the traveling teachers and
missionaries as they pass through. Treating strangers as they would
a brother. 6Which
have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou
bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do
well: They have told the church of your friendship and loving
deeds toward the brethren. Sending them on their way with a generous
gift. 7Because
that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the
Gentiles. They did not become a burden to who they taught. 8We
therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to
the truth. We should do the same in helping them, then we
become partners with them in the Lord's work. 9I
wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the
preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Beware of
"holier than thou" people. Diotrephes did not want to
admit that John had authority over him and would not listen to him. 10Wherefore,
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. Saying wicked things against
John and the other brethren. Refusing the missionary travelers
himself and telling others to do the same. Self righteous
hypocrites! Know any like that? There are a lot of them out there in
the world. 11Beloved,
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. Don't
let this bad example influence you. If you are doing what is right
it is of God; if they are doing evil they are not of God. That's
just the way it is. False teachings are evil, traditions of men
are evil. God's Word is good! 12Demetrius
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. John
and the others spoke highly of Demetrius because he spoke the truth. 13I
had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto
thee: Had more to say but did not want to write it down. Why? 14But
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. John wanted a one on one conversation.
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The Book of 3 John |