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3 John 1

Hendriksen
‹ Chapter 0 3 John — All Chapters Chapter 2 ›
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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�C TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 1 2 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ;7-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 I. Introduction) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 1 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 1–8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 A. Address) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 2 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data +’-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 B. Wish) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 3 8 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data EA-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 II. Tribute to Gaius) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 3 4 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data =9-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 A. Cause for Joy) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 5 8 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data IE-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 B. A Delightful Report) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 5 6 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data MI-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0

  1. Faithfulness and Love) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 7 8 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data C?-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0
  2. Show Hospitality) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ‘#-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 9 10 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data MI-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 III. Diotrephes Reproved) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 9 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data EA-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 A. A Letter Rejected) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data #-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 10 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ?;-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 B. John s Warning) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data )%-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 11 12 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data a]-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 IV. Exhortation and Recommendation) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data )%-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 13 14 ) TDc.BestWidth�c.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 73-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 V. Conclusion) 7 5 3 8 0 0 I. Introduction ) 1 2 ) 1 The elder, ) To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. ) 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 A. Address) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. The elder,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.0|AUTODETECT|” This is the address on the envelope, so to speak. The writer calls himself the elder 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.0|AUTODETECT|” II John 1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and he sends his letter to his friend Gaius. The address, however, is very brief because the sender omits the names of places. That is, although we may assume that John resided in Ephesus, we have no knowledge of where Gaius lived. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The name ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Gaius) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.29|AUTODETECT|” is common in the New Testament. One of Paul s travel companions from Macedonia was Gaius 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.29|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.4|AUTODETECT|” ), another Gaius was from Derbe 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.20.4|AUTODETECT|” Acts 20:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.23|AUTODETECT|” ), and still another Gaius was a Christian in Corinth 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.14|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Because we have no certainty that the recipient of John s epistle is one of these persons, we should not try to identify him. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.0|AUTODETECT|” John writes that he loves Gaius in the truth 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.0|AUTODETECT|” II John 1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The relationship between the elder and Gaius was one of love and trust. John twice mentions that he loves Gaius, for a literal translation of the text says, To Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. Gaius is loved by God and loved by John because of the truth which Gaius professes. This brief remark apparently takes the place of a greeting. In distinction from other personal letters, this epistle lacks the familiar salutation ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 grace, mercy and peace) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 or its equivalent. After the address, John expresses a wish. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 B. Wish) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Four times in this relatively short epistle John calls Gaius his dear friend (vv. 1, 2, 5, 11). In verse 2 he voices a wish rather than an actual prayer. John adheres to the custom of his day and wishes the addressee health and prosperity. The wish is broad, for John includes everything. He says, I wish that in all respects you may get along well and be healthy. John is interested in the material and physical well-being of Gaius. He knows that Gaius is spiritually active, but John desires that also in material aspects Gaius may succeed. He wants to see Gaius prosper in his business, employment, plans, and purposes. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.9-41.2.12|AUTODETECT|” John wishes physical health for Gaius, so that Gaius may function efficiently in his business. Following Jesus practice 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.9-41.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:9 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.34-41.6.44|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.34-41.6.44|AUTODETECT|” 6:34 44) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), John cares for the physical and the spiritual needs of Gaius. During previous meetings with him and from reports about him, John knows that Gaius is prospering spiritually. John writes, even as your soul is getting along well. That is, Gaius has made more spiritual than material progress and that is commendable. John, however, wishes that Gaius may get along well in regard to both body and soul. ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 II. Tribute to Gaius ) 3 8 ) 3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. ) 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 A. Cause for Joy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 3 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.4|AUTODETECT|” a. It gave me great joy. With this verse John repeats the thought, if not the words, of ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.4|AUTODETECT|” II John 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 : It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In the composition of the letter, John follows the custom of his day. In most of the New Testament epistles, the writers follow the sequence of an address, greetings, and an expression of thanks. Even though John omits the greeting, he has an address and a word of praise to declare his great joy.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Notice that John uses the past tense in this sentence to indicate that for some time he has experienced joy. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 b. To have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth. The original Greek indicates that the brothers were often coming to John to testify about the love and faithfulness of Gaius. ) Who were these brothers? In verse 5, John praises Gaius, You are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. And in verse 8, he encourages Gaius to show hospitality to such men. They were traveling missionaries who visited Gaius, at whose home they received lodging.

They had also visited Diotrephes, who in contrast with Gaius had refused to welcome them (v. 9). Now they have come to John with glowing words of praise for Gaius and disapproval for Diotrephes. In the home of Gaius, they have experienced the evidence of Christian love, which the New International Version translates faithfulness to the truth. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.6|AUTODETECT|” c. How you continue to walk in the truth. Gaius has followed the example of Jesus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and thus fulfilled the expectations John had for his friend. Hence John called him his dear friend whom I love in the truth (v. 1). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 d. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. John repeats the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 joy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 but qualifies it with the adjective ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 greater) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . John rejoiced to hear that Gaius walks in the truth. He has even greater joy when he learns that in addition, numerous Christians are doing the same thing. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.15|AUTODETECT|” John speaks of children, not in the sense of physical descent but spiritual birth. Similarly, Paul writes to the believers in Corinth and says, In Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.4.15|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 4:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 children) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 includes John s friend Gaius and all other Christians who have come to know the truth through the preaching and teaching ministry of the apostle. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Why do these spiritual children give John joy and happiness? Because they are walking in the truth. That is, they are walking life s pathway in the light of God s Word 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.7|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.9|AUTODETECT|” 2:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They obey his commands and reflect God s goodness and grace. In short, they are children of the light. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 3 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �������� ������ the genitive absolute construction with the present participle indicates repeated occurrence. ) ��� �� ������ the genitive case ��� (your) is objective (the truth that affects you), not subjective (the truth that belongs to you). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ���������� ������ the adjective is a double comparison (������, greater) that literally means more greater. The pronoun ������ is plural because the plural sometimes may take the place of the singular.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2” 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 5�� ���� this purpose clause is equivalent to the articular infinitive in the genitive case ��� ������.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3” 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 B. A Delightful Report) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 5 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 After a general tribute to Gaius, John now mentions the hospitality and love Gaius has shown to traveling missionaries. John gives his reaction to the good report he has received. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0

  1. Faithfulness and Love) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 5 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (a) Address ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Once again John addresses Gaius with the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 dear friend) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (see vv. 1, 2). He praises his friend for his faithful conduct, because Gaius has given visible proof of walking in the truth.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� From traveling missionaries John heard about the kindness Gaius had extended to them. According to the missionaries, Gaius had received them as his spiritual brothers and had provided lodging and food for them. John commends Gaius for his faithfulness toward the brothers. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (b) Hospitality ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Gaius opened not only his heart to the brothers but also his home. He offered hospitality to the brothers, even though they [were] strangers. The term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 strangers) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in this context means that the brothers came from other places and were not known to Gaius. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In obedience to the teachings of Scripture,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Gaius takes care of the wayfarers. In the ancient world many a door was opened to a messenger of the new covenant and the host was thus blessed. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.22|AUTODETECT|” �� The traveling missionary depended on the hospitality of fellow believers. Hence Paul asks Philemon to prepare a guest room for him 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Philem. 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The writer of the ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Didache) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles), which reflects social and ecclesiastical practices of the first century, states, ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Let every Apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord, but let him not stay more than one day, or if need be a second as well; but if he stay three days, he is a false prophet.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (c) Commendation ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The missionaries told the members of the church, including the apostle John, about the hospitality and care of Gaius.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Whether they reported once during one of their visits or more often is inconsequential. The news concerning Gaius s deeds of Christian love is important. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John exhorts Gaius to continue caring for the traveling messenger of the gospel of Christ. He tells him, You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. The phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you will do well) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is a polite request that is similar to the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 please) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 .��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”
  6. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.13|AUTODETECT|” �� John s instruction to send them on their way means that after Gaius provided lodging, he has to supply the brothers with food, money, and possibly travel companions for their journey 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Titus 3:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”
  7. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.10|AUTODETECT|” �� John adds that Gaius must do so in a manner worthy of God. That is, he ought to provide these services in such a manner that God receives praise 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.12|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Practical Considerations in 5 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.7|AUTODETECT|” In most churches during the Sunday morning worship service, worshipers take part in the service by placing their offerings in the offering plate. They do so in harmony with the words of Paul, God loves a cheerful giver 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.7|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). For some people, however, the act of giving relieves their conscience. They think that they have given something to God and are now no longer under any obligation. They forget that God wants us to give our gifts in the context of love. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.10|AUTODETECT|” When we place gifts in the offering plate, we should accompany these gifts with our prayers so that the people who receive them may be blessed. It is our task to care for people, because they need our love. People are of primary importance, and gifts are of secondary importance. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 5 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ����x� ������ literally these words mean you are doing a faithful thing. But John is interested more in the character of Gaius than in the work he performs. Therefore, the New International Version has you are faithful. ) ����� this is the second person singular aorist middle subjunctive of the verb �������� (I work). The aorist is constative. It takes an occurrence and, regardless of its extent of duration, gathers it into a single whole. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
  8. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ��������� from the verb �������� (I help on one s journey), the action of the aorist is simultaneous with that of the main verb �������� (you will do).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”
  9. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Show Hospitality) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 7 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (a) Cause ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John indicates that missionaries had set out to other places where they proclaimed the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. These messengers were commissioned by the church to bring the gospel. John uses the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Name) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.41|AUTODETECT|” 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.41|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:41) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.7|AUTODETECT|” James 2:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.12|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.23|AUTODETECT|” 3:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.9-40.10.10|AUTODETECT|” �� In obedience to Jesus Christ, they left home and family to go to other regions. They knew that if Jesus sent them forth, he unquestionably would provide for their needs 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.9-40.10.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:9 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.8|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.4|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The missionaries refused to accept aid from people who had never heard the Word of God. John calls these people pagans -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14” NIV) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.12|AUTODETECT|” ). The missionaries did not want to hinder the work of the gospel of Christ. They knew that if they accepted help from unbelievers, they would leave themselves open to the charge that they preached for financial gains 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.12|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Therefore, John teaches that missionaries should receive help from the church (v. 8). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (b) Help ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.7|AUTODETECT|” We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men. John contrasts the pagans with the believers. Gentiles have no obligation to help the missionaries, but according to Jesus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.7|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.14|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.18|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), believers do. Thus John emphatically states that we ought to show hospitality to the messengers of the Word of God. This passage shows a subtle play on words in Greek which even in English is telling. The missionaries ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 take) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 no help from the pagans because the believers have under) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 taken) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to support them.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.41|AUTODETECT|” �� The believers are mindful of Jesus word, Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man s reward 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:41) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 So that we may work together for the truth. Another translation is, that we may be fellow-workers ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 with) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 the truth -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” NASB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , italics added). Is the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 truth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 personified (compare v. 12), so that we work with the truth as equals? Hardly. But if we say that John exhorts us to work together with missionaries for the truth, then biblical evidence supports us in this interpretation. For instance, Paul sends the greetings of three companions (Aristarchus, Mark, and Jesus called Justus) to the church in Colosse. He says, These are the only Jews among my fellow workers ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 for) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.11|AUTODETECT|” the kingdom of God 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.11|AUTODETECT|” Col. 4:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.23|AUTODETECT|” , italics added; also see ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.8.23|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 8:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� John, then, is asking us to help missionaries in the work by spreading the truth, that is, the gospel of Christ. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 7 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ����������� from ������� (I take, receive), the present tense of this active participle is durative. Furthermore, the use of the present participle discloses that the rule not to accept help from Gentiles was in vogue. The participle denotes manner. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 @�������� the verb @����� (I ought) suggests obligation. By contrast, the word ��� (it is necessary) connotes necessity. The former is moral, the latter, as it were, physical necessity. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Q����������� the literal translation of this present infinitive is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to receive) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 someone ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 under) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 one s roof. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �� ������ the dative case is a dative of advantage and signifies for or in the interest of. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19”
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 III. Diotrephes Reproved ) 9 10 ) 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. 10 So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 A. A Letter Rejected) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  6. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 After exhorting and commending Gaius, John comes to the heart of the matter: his description of Diotrephes. John rejoices to see Gaius walking in the truth. But in Diotrephes, John encounters a person who marks a startling contrast: Diotrephes is conceited and boastful. Notice that although John describes Diotrephes as an arrogant person, he refrains from judging him. Instead John tells him that he will visit the church. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 We are unable to ascertain whether the letter which John mentions is his second epistle. We surmise that in addition to the three Johannine Epistles that are extant, John wrote at least one other letter. This letter, however, has not been preserved. If John indeed refers to the second epistle, then the contents of these two documents do not correspond. John s second epistle concerns the teaching of false prophets, but his letter to Gaius is not a rebuke of Diotrephes for spreading false doctrine. Rather, John rebukes Diotrephes because of his behavior in the church.

For that reason, we feel that this matter prevents us from identifying the two documents. ) John wrote a letter to the church to which Diotrephes belongs. We assume that the church of Gaius is another congregation.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� In the original, John says, I wrote ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 something) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to the church. By using the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 something,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John diminishes the significance of the letter. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 We know little about Diotrephes. His name means foster child of Zeus, ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.26-40.20.27|AUTODETECT|” �� which suggests that he is of Greek descent. He is a leader within the local church and turns his leadership position to selfish advantage. John writes that Diotrephes loves to be first. Instead of serving the church, this proud person is egotistic and refuses to recognize superior authority. He himself desires to rule the church. Accordingly, Diotrephes rejects the apostolic supremacy of John. He acts contrary to the injunction of Jesus, Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.26-40.20.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:26 27) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Incidentally, even though John introduces himself as the elder (v. 1), he exercises authority of a level higher than that of an elder. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John mentions that Diotrephes will have nothing to do with us. Note that he uses the pronoun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 us) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 possibly to include the friends who send greetings to Gaius. Perhaps some of these friends were leaders with authority 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 us) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.1-62.1.5|AUTODETECT|” in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.1-62.1.5|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:1 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). However, Diotrephes refuses to respond to John s counsel, ignores his correspondence, and breaks the bonds of Christian fellowship. And if John intends to pay him a visit, Diotrephes will not welcome him. Diotrephes does so not because of a doctrinal dispute but out of personal ambition. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ����� although John uses this verb in the aorist tense a few times 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.13|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [twice], 21, 26; 5:13), in this verse it is not an epistolary aorist. It is the simple past tense because John refers to an earlier letter he has written. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �� ������� the definite article with the noun (see v. 10) points to the church to which Diotrephes belonged. ) �P��� the genitive case is objective, not subjective. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 B. John s Warning) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 10. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 By writing the short statement, So if I come, John informs Diotrephes about his impending visit, but he provides no details about the time of his arrival. John intends to visit the congregation to call attention to the behavior of Diotrephes. Indirectly he contrasts the activities of Gaius (v. 5) with those of Diotrephes. Gaius applies the principle of love for God and his neighbor; Diotrephes adheres to the principle of selfish love. John lists the activities of Diotrephes: ) a. [He is] gossiping maliciously about us. That is, Diotrephes is making unjustifiable accusations against John and his companions because he resents John s apostolic authority. Therefore, he tries to undermine John with malicious gossip. In fact, the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 gossip) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.13|AUTODETECT|” in Greek is descriptive for bubbles that appear momentarily and disappear. They are useless. The term, then, implies that the evil words Diotrephes utters are empty and meaningless 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.5.13|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 5:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.16|AUTODETECT|” ). Nevertheless, the offense is an undisguised violation of God s explicit command, You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.16|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.20|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 5:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). A leader in the local congregation, Diotrephes stands condemned as a violator of God s law. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 b. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. Not only are Diotrephes words vicious; his deeds are equally reprehensible. He willfully breaks the rules of Christian hospitality by refusing to receive missionaries sent out to proclaim the gospel. By denying them shelter and food, he hinders the progress of the Word of God. In brief, Diotrephes is thwarting God s plans and purposes and consequently he faces divine wrath. ) c.

He also stops those who want to do so. Diotrephes goes one step further and prevents members of the church from showing hospitality to traveling missionaries. We infer that he is trying to hinder the believers from receiving the missionaries and attempting to punish them for opening their doors to God s servants. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.1-43.9.34|AUTODETECT|” d. And puts them out of the church. Diotrephes places before the believers a choice: either side with me against John or receive the missionaries and be excommunicated. The parallel to this situation is the excommunication of the man born blind 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.9.1-43.9.34|AUTODETECT|” John 9:1 34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 p� ��� the conditional sentence with the aorist subjunctive ��� (from ������, I come) expresses probability. ) Q������� the future active of the verbs Q���������� (I remind) lacks a direct object. We assume that John will remind the church during his visit. ) ������ and ������� these two verbs in the present active indicative may be conative . ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Additional Remarks) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 The question that has captured the attention of scholars is: Why does John inform Gaius about Diotrephes if both men are members of the same congregation and are in a leadership position? Granted that we have only circumstantial evidence, we surmise that with the death of the apostles in the second half of the first century a power struggle developed within the church. ) Gaius submitted to the authority of the apostle John, but Diotrephes wanted a leadership position of his own and therefore rejected any supremacy of persons outside his congregation. He wanted nothing to do with John and his associates because he desired to be first in the church. Concludes I. Howard Marshall, Possibly Gaius was a member of a neighboring church, for otherwise it would be strange for John to tell him what he must already have known. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 IV. Exhortation and Recommendation ) 11 12 ) 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. ) John first tells Gaius to do what is good and not to imitate evil deeds, presumably those of Diotrephes. Next he mentions Demetrius as an example of good conduct. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 11. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. Exhortation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Four times in this short letter John uses the address ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 dear friend) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 when he refers to Gaius (vv. 1, 2, 5, 11). Three times John appeals to him directly. Here he encourages him to imitate [not] what is evil but what is good. John is not saying that Gaius is following the example of Diotrephes. Rather, he is stressing the last part of his exhortation: imitate & what is good. And thus by contrast John implies that Gaius should not imitate what is evil.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23” 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Anyone who does what is good is from God. The person who continually obeys God s precepts has his spiritual origin in God and is his child. How do we know the children of God? In his first epistle John gives the norm for determining the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God (3:10). Therefore, anyone who continues to do evil, for example, Diotrephes, has not seen or known God 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.6|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.9|AUTODETECT|” ). The believer sees God in Jesus Christ. As Jesus told Philip, Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.9|AUTODETECT|” John 14:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; also see 1:18). When a Christian sees God, he has fellowship with him through Jesus Christ 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 12. Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. Recommendation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.24|AUTODETECT|” Throughout his epistles John uses the literary device of contrast. After depicting the evil deeds of Diotrephes, John now introduces Demetrius, who is well spoken of by everyone. This person, then, is well known and needs no further introduction. Although the original readers of John s epistle knew him well, we have no further information beyond that which John gives in verse 12. For instance, we have no evidence that Demetrius, the silversmith of Ephesus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.19.24|AUTODETECT|” Acts 19:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), was converted and became an exemplary Christian. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Why does John mention Demetrius? John mentions him because of the good report that circulates about Demetrius. Note that three times John states the same thing: everyone speaks well of Demetrius, the truth speaks well of him, and John himself speaks well of him. Demetrius was a person who had gained the trust of the Christian community at large. What was said about him and what particular work he performed is not known. ) And even by the truth itself. What is the significance of the noun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 truth?) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.3|AUTODETECT|” The context does not call for an identification with God 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.3|AUTODETECT|” John 17:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” ), Jesus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.6|AUTODETECT|” John 14:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.6|AUTODETECT|” ), or the Spirit 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.6|AUTODETECT|” I John 5:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ). Because John writes about walking in the truth (v. 4), that is, the truth of the gospel of Christ, we infer that Demetrius lived according to the mandates of God s Word so that his life showed clear evidence of the truth 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.8|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 We speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. In this verse the use of the pronoun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is probably editorial. John uses the plural to refer to himself and does so with emphasis: We ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 too) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.35|AUTODETECT|” speak well of him. He assures Gaius that the testimony John has written concerning Demetrius is true 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.35|AUTODETECT|” John 19:35) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) because he is personally acquainted with him. Gaius, then, may place full confidence in John. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 11 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �t ����� this is the second person present imperative of the verb �������� (I imitate). It is preceded by the negative particle �� (not). The emphasis falls not on the term �x ����� (the evil) but on the term �x ����� (the good) which stands last in the sentence. ) �P� ������ the perfect tense with the negative �P� (not) signifies that the one who does evil has never seen God in the past and consequently not in the present either. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 6 3 8 0 0 ������������ the perfect passive from the verb �������� (I testify) indicates. action that occurred earlier but continues into the present. ) Q�� this preposition governs the genitive case of ������ (all) and ������� (truth). The grammatical construction is called the genitive of agent. ) V. Conclusion ) 13 14 ) 13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. ) Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 13. I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 These two verses are almost identical to the conclusion of the Second Epistle of John (v. 12). Minor differences do not alter the meaning of the concluding remarks. Their similarity, however, shows that John wrote these two epistles about the same time. ) Why John decided not to extend the length of this letter is debatable. The reason may be that John wanted to communicate matters orally. Then he would not run the risk of any misunderstanding that might arise. Also, the matter concerning Diotrephes was delicate and had to be addressed in person. ) John expresses the hope that he will meet Gaius soon. He omits the details relating to destination and time because they are unimportant to the recipient. The term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 soon) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.8|AUTODETECT|” must suffice. When the two friends see each other, they will talk face to face 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Num. 12:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 The Greek text marks the greeting as verse 15, and many translators and commentators do the same. Others, however, make the greeting part of verse 14. ) Peace to you. The greeting is the equivalent of the Hebrew ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 shalom) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.19|AUTODETECT|” , which is used for both hello and good-by. Jesus and the apostles employ the greeting and give it a New Testament meaning 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.19|AUTODETECT|” John 20:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.6.16|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 6:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.6.23|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 6:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.14|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ). Consequently, they who receive the greeting have the peace of God in Christ Jesus 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 4:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The greeting of John is especially for Gaius, because the pronoun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is in the singular. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.13-43.15.15|AUTODETECT|” Jesus calls his disciples friends 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.13-43.15.15|AUTODETECT|” John 15:13 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), yet the Christian community prefers to use the terms ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 brothers) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sisters) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . John follows Jesus example by calling the recipients friends. He sends the greetings of friends who surround him to the friends who receive the letter. In fact, John adds a personal touch; he tells Gaius, Greet the friends there by name. John, then, implies that the epistle is addressed not only to Gaius but to all the members of the congregation. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 13 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �6��� the imperfect tense of the verb �� (I have) shows that John had intended to write more but changed his mind. ) ������� reed. Alfred Plummer observes, Quills were not used as pens until the fifth century. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24” 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 0���� the aorist infinitive of A��� (I see) indicates that John s visit is a single occurrence. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of III John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 After writing the address, John praises Gaius, whom he calls his dear friend. He expresses the wish that Gaius may receive physical as well as spiritual blessings. John commends him, for he has received a report about the faithfulness of Gaius to the truth, especially in showing hospitality to traveling missionaries. John encourages him to continue to do so. ) John informs Gaius about the character and reprehensible deeds of Diotrephes, who has slandered the apostle and hindered the members of the congregation in providing food and shelter for the missionaries. He instructs Gaius not to follow this bad example, but rather to imitate that which is good. Thus he mentions Demetrius, who has a good report in the church. ) The epistle has a brief conclusion with the information of a forthcoming visit of John and greetings from friends to friends. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 1 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 joy) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.4|AUTODETECT|” occurs three times in the epistles of John 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.4|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.12|AUTODETECT|” II John 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.4|AUTODETECT|” III John 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The Greek verb translated ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to rejoice) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.4|AUTODETECT|” appears twice in the Johannine Epistles 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.4|AUTODETECT|” II John 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.3|AUTODETECT|” III John 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 2 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to A. T. Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 704. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 3 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Alfred Plummer, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges series (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1896), p. 145. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Raymond E. Brown, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Anchor Bible series (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1982), vol. 30, p. 708. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 5 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.1-1.18.8|AUTODETECT|” Here are a few passages from the Old Testament 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.1-1.18.8|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:1 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.1-1.19.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.1-1.19.3|AUTODETECT|” 19:1 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.4|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 12:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.31.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.31.32|AUTODETECT|” Job 31:32) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.31-40.25.46|AUTODETECT|” ) and from the New Testament 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.31-40.25.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 25:31 46) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.5-42.11.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.5-42.11.8|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:5 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.10.6|AUTODETECT|” Acts 10:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.15|AUTODETECT|” 16:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.2|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 6 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hans Bietenhard, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 1, p. 690. Also see Gustav St�hlin, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 5, p. 22. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 7 ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Didache) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 11: 4 5 (LCL). Consult I Clement 1:2, where the writer praises the church members of Corinth for their hospitality. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 8 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 In the three epistles, John uses the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 church) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.6|AUTODETECT|” three times 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.6|AUTODETECT|” III John 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The word does not occur in the Gospel of John, but Revelation has it twenty times. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 9 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to I. Howard Marshall, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , New International Commentary on the New Testament series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978), p. 85. Also consult Brown, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 792. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 10 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Bauer, p. 709. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 11 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 H. E. Dana and Julius R. Mantey, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (New York: Macmillan, 1967), p. 196. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 861. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 13 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 In the early church, Christians often used the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Name) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.1|AUTODETECT|” as a reference to Jesus Christ. See, for example, Ignatius s epistle to the ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Ephesians 3. 1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , For though I am a prisoner for the Name, I am not yet perfect in Jesus Christ (LCL). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” NIV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New International Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 14 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Plummer, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 148. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” NASB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New American Standard Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 15 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.9|AUTODETECT|” There is a similar construction in ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . A literal translation of this text is, For we are God s fellow workers. Some translators understand the genitive case to mean We are fellow workers with God (JB). Others think that the use of the preposition ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 with) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is too presumptuous. They prefer to say, For we are fellow workers for God (RSV). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 16 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John Albert Bengel, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Gnomon of the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Andrew R. Fausset, 7th ed., 5 vols. (Edinburgh: Clark, 1877), vol. 3, p. 282. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 17 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Translators generally favor the dative of advantage (consult ASV, GNB, JB, NIV, NKJV). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 18 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult C. H. Dodd, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Johannine Epistles) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Moffatt New Testament Commentary series (New York: Harper and Row, 1946), p. 161; Marshall, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 89. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” 19 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Thayer, p. 152. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 20 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 I. Howard Marshall, John, Epistles of, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ISBE) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 2, p. 1095. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 21 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Greek verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to imitate) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.7|AUTODETECT|” appears four times in the New Testament 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.7|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 3:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.7|AUTODETECT|” [example], 9 [model]; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.7|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 11 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.11|AUTODETECT|” III John 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 22 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Plummer, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 152.)

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