third john

Background

Authorship.   See 2 John.

Date of composition.   The same must be said in regard to this letter as was for its companion, 2 John (q.v.).

Situation of the readers and Purpose.   Gaius was probably a member of a congregation in Asia (that was perhaps neighbor to that of 2 and 1 John). John’s previous letter addressed to the church was apparently intercepted by the domineering Diotrephes (9), and not implemented. Therefore he wrote this second letter and addressed it to the faithful Gaius, who would then presumably circulate it among the congregation, validating his hospitality toward Demetrius, and invalidating Diotrephes’ heavy-handed ways.

The immediate purpose then was to encourage Gaius to stand up to Diotrephes, fearlessly supporting Demetrius. The Christian ministry is after all the cooperative propagation of the truth of our Lord, not the controlling of a personal religious empire.

Argument

This letter is about the responsibility of lovers of the truth to support likeminded missionaries. It is Gaius’ commitment to the truth, evident in his walk, that makes him a suitable candidate to stand up to the challenge to come (3–4). The report of his past active support of missionaries is commended (5–7), preparatory to an appeal for similar support in a specific and especially trying case in the present. Such support amounts to a genuine partnership in the gospel work (8).

The problem with Diotrephes introduces the specific purpose of the letter. The condemnation of his ways serves to discredit him before the congregation and to instruct the leadership in the limits of their power (9–11). Similarly verse 12 is a kind of ‘letter of commendation’ (cf. 2 Cor. 3:1) for Demetrius, completing the presenting circumstance. A faithful servant of the truth such as he ought to receive the church’s support.

Finally, the closing remarks regarding his other concerns serve to underscore the seriousness of what he did take the trouble to put in writing (13–14).

Outline

I. Salutation  1–2

A. The correspondents  1

B. Best wishes  2

II. Body  3–12

A. Commendation of Gaius  3–8

1. His walk in Truth  3–4

a) The brothers’ report  3

b) The Elder’s joy  4

2. His walk in Love  5–8

a) His faithful support of missionaries  5–7

b) The genius of such cooperation  8

B. Condemnation of Diotrephes  9–11

1. His usurpation of power  9–10

2. His negative example  11

C. Recommendation of Demetrius  12

III. Personal Remarks  13–14

A. The Elder’s hopes to visit  13–14a

B. Greetings  14b