III John 1 Commentary: Walking in Truth and Supporting God's Workers
The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
Which 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:
Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
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.
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.
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.
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
But 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.
The Third Epistle of John, often referred to as III John, is a brief but powerful letter from "the elder," traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, to a beloved friend named Gaius. This personal letter, one of the shortest books in the Bible, focuses on the importance of truth, hospitality, and discerning between godly and ungodly leadership. Though concise, III John offers profound insights into Christian fellowship, the support of ministry, and the dangers of pride within the church. Let's delve into the meaning of III John 1, exploring its key themes and practical applications for believers today.
Introduction: A Letter of Love and Truth (III John 1:1-2)
III John 1:1-2 opens with John's warm greeting to Gaius, whom he loves "in truth." This phrase is significant, highlighting the genuineness and sincerity of John's affection. His love isn't based on mere sentimentality but on a shared commitment to the truth of the Gospel.
John then expresses his heartfelt prayer for Gaius: that he may prosper in every way and be in good health, "just as your soul prospers." This verse has sometimes been misinterpreted to support a "prosperity gospel." However, a careful reading reveals that John's concern for Gaius's physical well-being is directly linked to his spiritual vitality. God is not against prosperity and health, but these things are only beneficial "as your soul prospers.” Without spiritual development, our motivations will be misplaced, and our health and wealth will leave us hollow. John’s desire for Gaius reflects a holistic view of well-being, where spiritual growth is the foundation for all other blessings.
Commendation: Gaius's Faithful Walk (III John 1:3-4)
How did John know that Gaius’s soul was prospering? Not because of any material benefits he had, but because fellow believers testified to his fidelity to the truth. The measuring rod for our spiritual well-being is whether or not we are walking in truth—that is, whether we’re living by the standard of God’s Word.
John's joy in III John 1:4 stems from hearing about Gaius's faithful walk in truth. This highlights the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. It's not enough to simply know the truth; we must also live it out in our daily lives. Knowing that believers were walking in truth brought great joy to the apostle, and it brings joy to God too.
Coworkers in Truth: Supporting God's Servants (III John 1:5-8)
III John 1:5-8 emphasizes the importance of supporting those who labor for the Gospel. Gaius is commended for his hospitality towards "the brethren," traveling Christian teachers who were spreading the message of Christ. He demonstrated love for the brothers and sisters who were engaging in ministry, even those who were strangers to him. By providing them with financial support, hospitality, encouragement, and prayer, we can be coworkers with the truth.
These traveling teachers served "for the sake of the Name" and received no financial support from Gentiles, instead relying on the generosity of fellow believers. John encourages his readers to support such individuals, recognizing that by doing so, they become "fellow workers for the truth." This highlights the vital role of partnership in ministry, where those who support the work are just as essential as those who directly proclaim the Gospel. When we support those who are faithful to the truth, God credits to our account the blessings that he gives to them because we are their coworkers, sharing in their ministry.
Discerning Leadership: Good and Evil Examples (III John 1:9-12)
The letter takes a sharp turn in III John 1:9-10 as John addresses the negative influence of Diotrephes, a prideful church leader. Diotrephes loved to have first place. He liked to be the center of attention, the king of the hill, the top dog. Diotrephes was full of pride, which demonstrated itself in a variety of ways. When John wrote to the church, Diotrephes refused to receive his authority. Understand that John had been chosen by the Son of God himself to serve as one of his apostles and to write Scripture. Nevertheless, Diotrephes wouldn’t listen to him.
Diotrephes compounded his sin by slandering John and his coworkers with malicious words and kicking out of the church people who tried to welcome fellow believers. Gaius supported traveling believers who were doing the work of Christ, but Diotrephes slammed the door in their faces and excommunicated church members for helping them. In a word, Diotrephes was a despot. A leader submits himself to the truth and exercises godly authority for the good of those under him. A despot refuses to submit to the truth and rules over others for his own gain. The apostle John was not afraid to call him out.
In contrast to Diotrephes, John presents Demetrius as a model of Christian character in III John 1:11-12. He had a good testimony from all people as well as "from the truth itself". John urges Gaius (and us): do not imitate what is evil, but what is good (III John 1:11). Diotrephes was an obvious example of evil to avoid. Demetrius, by contrast, was a good example to emulate. The church spoke well of him, the apostle and those with him spoke well of him, and even the truth itself spoke well of Demetrius. There was consistency in the man’s life. The way he lived matched the truth of Scripture. When you see this kind of pattern in a leader, you know you can follow him, because the one who does good is of God.
Farewell and Future Hope (III John 1:13-15)
John concludes his letter in III John 1:13-15 with a desire for a face-to-face meeting with Gaius. John concludes his letter by highlighting the limitation of using pen and ink (III John 1:13). This is a reminder that writing can be useful, but it can’t replace talking face to face. Whether someone needs warning or encouragement, emails and text messages don’t compare to looking a brother or sister in the eye and “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). He expresses his hope to share more personally and offers a closing benediction of peace.
The brevity of III John should not diminish its significance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, love, and discernment in the Christian life. By supporting those who faithfully serve Christ and by rejecting prideful, self-serving leadership, we can contribute to the growth and health of the church, walking in truth and experiencing the joy of fellowship with God and one another.
The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
Which 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:
Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
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.
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.
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.
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
But 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.
The Third Epistle of John, often referred to as III John, is a brief but powerful letter from "the elder," traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, to a beloved friend named Gaius. This personal letter, one of the shortest books in the Bible, focuses on the importance of truth, hospitality, and discerning between godly and ungodly leadership. Though concise, III John offers profound insights into Christian fellowship, the support of ministry, and the dangers of pride within the church. Let's delve into the meaning of III John 1, exploring its key themes and practical applications for believers today.
Introduction: A Letter of Love and Truth (III John 1:1-2)
III John 1:1-2 opens with John's warm greeting to Gaius, whom he loves "in truth." This phrase is significant, highlighting the genuineness and sincerity of John's affection. His love isn't based on mere sentimentality but on a shared commitment to the truth of the Gospel.
John then expresses his heartfelt prayer for Gaius: that he may prosper in every way and be in good health, "just as your soul prospers." This verse has sometimes been misinterpreted to support a "prosperity gospel." However, a careful reading reveals that John's concern for Gaius's physical well-being is directly linked to his spiritual vitality. God is not against prosperity and health, but these things are only beneficial "as your soul prospers.” Without spiritual development, our motivations will be misplaced, and our health and wealth will leave us hollow. John’s desire for Gaius reflects a holistic view of well-being, where spiritual growth is the foundation for all other blessings.
Commendation: Gaius's Faithful Walk (III John 1:3-4)
How did John know that Gaius’s soul was prospering? Not because of any material benefits he had, but because fellow believers testified to his fidelity to the truth. The measuring rod for our spiritual well-being is whether or not we are walking in truth—that is, whether we’re living by the standard of God’s Word.
John's joy in III John 1:4 stems from hearing about Gaius's faithful walk in truth. This highlights the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. It's not enough to simply know the truth; we must also live it out in our daily lives. Knowing that believers were walking in truth brought great joy to the apostle, and it brings joy to God too.
Coworkers in Truth: Supporting God's Servants (III John 1:5-8)
III John 1:5-8 emphasizes the importance of supporting those who labor for the Gospel. Gaius is commended for his hospitality towards "the brethren," traveling Christian teachers who were spreading the message of Christ. He demonstrated love for the brothers and sisters who were engaging in ministry, even those who were strangers to him. By providing them with financial support, hospitality, encouragement, and prayer, we can be coworkers with the truth.
These traveling teachers served "for the sake of the Name" and received no financial support from Gentiles, instead relying on the generosity of fellow believers. John encourages his readers to support such individuals, recognizing that by doing so, they become "fellow workers for the truth." This highlights the vital role of partnership in ministry, where those who support the work are just as essential as those who directly proclaim the Gospel. When we support those who are faithful to the truth, God credits to our account the blessings that he gives to them because we are their coworkers, sharing in their ministry.
Discerning Leadership: Good and Evil Examples (III John 1:9-12)
The letter takes a sharp turn in III John 1:9-10 as John addresses the negative influence of Diotrephes, a prideful church leader. Diotrephes loved to have first place. He liked to be the center of attention, the king of the hill, the top dog. Diotrephes was full of pride, which demonstrated itself in a variety of ways. When John wrote to the church, Diotrephes refused to receive his authority. Understand that John had been chosen by the Son of God himself to serve as one of his apostles and to write Scripture. Nevertheless, Diotrephes wouldn’t listen to him.
Diotrephes compounded his sin by slandering John and his coworkers with malicious words and kicking out of the church people who tried to welcome fellow believers. Gaius supported traveling believers who were doing the work of Christ, but Diotrephes slammed the door in their faces and excommunicated church members for helping them. In a word, Diotrephes was a despot. A leader submits himself to the truth and exercises godly authority for the good of those under him. A despot refuses to submit to the truth and rules over others for his own gain. The apostle John was not afraid to call him out.
In contrast to Diotrephes, John presents Demetrius as a model of Christian character in III John 1:11-12. He had a good testimony from all people as well as "from the truth itself". John urges Gaius (and us): do not imitate what is evil, but what is good (III John 1:11). Diotrephes was an obvious example of evil to avoid. Demetrius, by contrast, was a good example to emulate. The church spoke well of him, the apostle and those with him spoke well of him, and even the truth itself spoke well of Demetrius. There was consistency in the man’s life. The way he lived matched the truth of Scripture. When you see this kind of pattern in a leader, you know you can follow him, because the one who does good is of God.
Farewell and Future Hope (III John 1:13-15)
John concludes his letter in III John 1:13-15 with a desire for a face-to-face meeting with Gaius. John concludes his letter by highlighting the limitation of using pen and ink (III John 1:13). This is a reminder that writing can be useful, but it can’t replace talking face to face. Whether someone needs warning or encouragement, emails and text messages don’t compare to looking a brother or sister in the eye and “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). He expresses his hope to share more personally and offers a closing benediction of peace.
The brevity of III John should not diminish its significance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, love, and discernment in the Christian life. By supporting those who faithfully serve Christ and by rejecting prideful, self-serving leadership, we can contribute to the growth and health of the church, walking in truth and experiencing the joy of fellowship with God and one another.