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Thursday · Week 43
The Epistles & Revelation

3 John

Week 43 · about 2 min
  1. Fri: Micah 5-7
  2. Sat: Proverbs 16-19
  3. Sun: Deuteronomy 4-6

Another short letter from “the elder,” this time to a man named Gaius.

Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

3 John 1:4 (KJV)

John mentions three men in this letter. Gaius is faithful and opens his home to traveling missionaries, even ones he’s never met. John prays that Gaius will “prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” Diotrephes “loveth to have the preeminence.” He gossips about John, refuses to welcome traveling believers, and throws out anyone who does. Demetrius has “good report of all men, and of the truth itself.” John’s advice fits on one line: “follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.”

Reflect: Which of the three men are you most like?

III John 1

1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.

5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

6They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,

7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

9I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.

10Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.

11Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.

12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

14but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

World English Bible (WEB). World English Bible (WEB), public domain. “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org.