"Expositional Commentary on the Epistle of Third John" By David Buck (12/17/2010)

Expositional Commentary on Third John


Orientation to 3 John

Authorship: The author of Third John refers to himself as “the elder” within the text, he never gives his name in this epistle. However, due to the similarities between the writings of the gospel of John and the epistles of First, Second, and Third John, It is believed that the author of this epistle was none other than the Apostle John, himself.
Recipients: The recipient of this epistle was a man named Gaius. This name was very common in the first century as you can see this name was mentioned in other passages of scripture such as Acts 19:29, Acts 20:4, Romans 16:23, and 1 Corinthians 1:14. However, there is no known connection between the recipient of Third John and the other mentioning’s of the name Gaius in the New Testament. Therefore, we do not know anything more than what is stated in this epistle about the recipient, Gaius.
Date: The exact date when this epistle was actually written is unknown. However, it is thought to have been written by John around the time when he wrote First and Second John (A.D. 85-95).
Place: Like First and Second John, it was likely that this Epistle was written from Ephesus.
Occasion: The occasion for this letter was to provide encouragement to Gaius for his support of the Christian workers. It was also written to condemn the actions of Diotrephes, who was standing in the way of support of the Christian workers.
Purpose: The purpose of this epistle was to encourage Gaius to continue “walking in the truth” (3 John 3-4).
Overview Chart:
Book of 3rd John Statistics
Emphasis The Support of Christian Workers Church Discipline Faith Demonstrated by Works
Reference 1:5-8 1:9-10 1:11-12
Topic The support of Christian workers who’s travel is noble, important, and necessary. Church discipline can be necessary for a healthy ministry to be successful. Sound faith is proven by actions.
Location of Writing Ephesus “John probably writes from around Ephesus in the last quarter of the first century.” ESV Study Bible
Date of Writing c. A.D. 85-95
Statistics
Length 1 Chapter Greek-
Number of Words English-303 Greek-
Number of Verses KJV-14 Greek-


Master Outline of Third John

I. Always support the Christian worker—v.1-14
A. Greeting—v.1-4
1. The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius—v.1-2
a. The people involved—v.1
(1) “The Elder” —v.1
(2) “Gaius”—v.1
2. John prays for Gaius—v.2
a. I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth—v.2
3. John’s rejoices over those walking in the truth—v.3-4
a. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
B. John gives praise for Gaius’ support of the traveling Christian workers—v.5-8
1. The faithfulness of Gaius—v.5
a. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
2. The manner in which Gaius is to send out the Christian worker—v.6
a. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. —v.6
3. For the sake of the Name we ought support—v.7-8
a. For his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles—v.7
b. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth. —v.8
C. John’s concern about the actions of Diotrephes—v.9-12
1. John explains his concern—v.9-10
a. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.—v.9
b. If I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words—v.9
c. Neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.—v.10
2. John offers advice—v.11
a. 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—v.11
3. The introduction of Demetrius—v.12
a. 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.—v.12
D. John’s promise of a future visit—v.13-14
1. John plans to visit rather than write—v.13-14
a. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee—v.13
b. I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face—v.14


Expositional Commentary on 3 John

Introduction: The third of John’s epistles was addressed to a believer named Gaius, but is applicable to every believer, even a believer of today. This epistle instructs the church of its responsibility to provide for and equip the traveling Christian worker. Although this book is small, and is actually the briefest in the entire New Testament, it is very detailed in its instruction. It gives the reader both the right and wrong way to handle the traveling Christian worker, an example of the right way to treat a traveling believer can be seen in the person of Gaius, and an example of the wrong way to treat a traveling believer can be seen in the character of Diotrephes. There are many details that are included in the description of these two characters that need to be further studied to be certain that we have a proper understanding of the authors intended instruction. In this Expositional Commentary on Third John, my focus and intention will be to first, identify the message that the author originally intended his audience to understand, and then provide for you a clear and detailed explanation.
The Overall Outline of the Epistle
I. Greeting—v.1-4
II. John gives praise for Gaius’ support of the traveling Christian workers—v.5-8
III. John’s concern about the actions of Diotrephes—v.9-12
IV. John’s promise of a future visit—v.13-14

3 John 1:1. The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
1. The elder. John uses this term to introduce himself in this epistle. This is the same term that he used of himself in the epistle of 2 John. The word elder here is translated from the Greek word presbuteros. The meaning of this word is aged person or elder. Therefore, this term probably references his age, and his Apostolic position in the Church. The wellbeloved. The word wellbeloved here is translated from the Greek word agapetos. The meaning of this word is loveable or beloved. It is clear that John had a great love for this man named Gaius, as he called him the wellbeloved four times within this epistle. Gaius. This is the name of the recipient of this epistle from John. The name Gaius was a very common male name in the first century. In fact, it was one of eighteen common names that Romans typically chose for their new born sons. This fact makes specific identification of a man from that time, by this name nearly impossible. With that stated, we do not know anything more about this person, other than that which is stated in this epistle. Whom I love in the truth. The word love here is translated from the Greek word agapao. The meaning of this word is to love. The word truth here is translated from the Greek word aletheia. The meaning of this word is literally, truth. The definition of aletheia is the reality lying at the basis of an appearance; especially of Christian doctrine. Therefore, in this text John writes to Gaius that he loves him in a manner consistent with the Christian faith.
3 John 1:2. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
2. Beloved. The word beloved here is translated from the Greek word agapetos. The meaning of this word is dearly beloved. The definition of the Greek word agapetos is greatly loved, e.g. the Fathers love for Christ. I wish... thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. The word wish here is translated from the Greek word euchomai. The meaning of this word is to wish, desire, or solicit. Therefore, we can conclude that John prayed (solicited) for Gaius to have excellent physical health to match his already excellent spiritual state.
3 John 1:3. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
3. For I rejoiced greatly. The word rejoiced here is translated from the Greek word chairo. The meaning of this word is to be glad or rejoice. The word greatly here is translated from the Greek word lian. The meaning of this word is very much or exceedingly. Therefore, this text describes John as being very much glad, rejoicing. When the brethren came and testified. The word for brethren here is translated from the Greek word adelphoi. The meaning of this word is literally, brethren (greatly loved). The word for testified here is translated from the Greek word martureo. The meaning of this word is to bear witness. Therefore, in this text the brethren came, bearing witness. Thou walkest in the truth. The word for walkest here is translated from the Greek word peripateo. The meaning of this word is to physically, walk around. The word truth here is translated from the Greek word aletheia. The meaning of this word is literally, truth. The definition of aletheia is the reality lying at the basis of an appearance; especially of Christian doctrine. Therefore, this text is stating that Gaius is walking inline with the Christian doctrine. Thus, verse three explains the great truth that John was very much glad and rejoicing when the brethren (those greatly loved) came, bearing witness that Gaius was walking inline with the Christian doctrine. By John’s writing, we can see that Gaius not only had a reputation of standing for the truth, but he had a reputation for walking in the truth. By his actions he was reflecting the light of Christ, as Jesus Himself instructed his followers to do in Matthew 5:16, which says: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
3 John 1:4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
4. I have no greater joy. The word greater here is translated from the Greek word meizoteros. The meaning of this word is literally, greater. The word joy is translated from the Greek word chara. The meaning of this word is literally, joy. Than to hear that my children. The word children is translated from the Greek word teknon. The meaning of this word is one born or a child. Here John used the same Greek word for children (teknon) that the Apostle Paul used to refer to those whom he converted to Christianity (1 Cor. 4:14, Phil. 2:22). Therefore, it is highly probable that John used the word children (teknon) to describe only the individuals who converted to Christianity under his teaching. However, there is a small possibility that he may have been simply using this word to describe those who were under his pastoral care. In either case, we can see by this statement that John had a strong fatherly affection for those under his care. Walk in the truth. John experienced great joy to hear that those under his care not only professed their faith but also practiced it by living in a manner consistent with the Christian faith.
3 John 1:5. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers.
5. Thou doest faithfully. The word doest is translated from the Greek word poieo. The meaning of this word is; to do. The word faithfully is translated from the Greek word pistos. The meaning of this word is faithful or steady. Brethren, and to strangers. The word for brethren here is translated from the Greek word adelphoi. The meaning of this word is; literally, brethren (greatly loved). The word stranger is translated from the Greek word xenos. The meaning of this word is stranger or foreigner. Here, John commends Gaius for his faithfulness to the traveling Christian workers (missionaries), as he provided for not only those whom he knew but also for those whom he did not know, strangers.
3 John 1:6. 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:
6. Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church. The word borne is translated from the Greek word phoreo. The meaning of this word is to have a burden or to wear as clothing, e.g. a constant accompaniment. The word witness is translated from the Greek word mart. The meaning of this word is to be a witness or bear testimony. The word charity is translated from the Greek word agape. The meaning of this word is love. The word church is translated from the Greek word ekklesia. The meaning of this word is those which are called out. After a godly sort. The word godly is translated from the Greek words axios tou theou. These words together mean worthy of God. Thou shalt do well. This verse is a continuation of verse five, John informs Gaius that those same strangers whom he provided support for in their travels have testified to the church of his actions. Then, John encourages Gaius to continue to provide for the traveling Christian worker (missionary) in a manner that is worthy of God.
3 John 1:7. Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
7. His name's sake. The word name is translated from the Greek word onoma. The meaning of this word is literally, name. Although there is no possessive adjective found in the Greek text here, it was not necessary for John to specify whose name he was writing because there is only one Name exalted above all others, that is the name of Christ (Phil. 2:9). Gentiles. The word Gentile is translated from the Greek word ethnos. The meaning of this word is gentile, heathen, nation, or people. This term refers not to the Jews, but to the heathen people in contrast to Christians. It is possible that by not accepting support from the Gentiles whom they were evangelizing, that Christians were doing this in order to honor Jesus’ statement in Matthew 10:8, which says: “freely ye have received, freely give.” They were to share the gospel freely as they themselves did not have to pay to receive the good news. In any case, it was clear that the Christian workers were missionaries, who went out preaching the gospel without any support from the gentile. They did this, so that more would come to know Christ.
3 John 1:8. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
8. Fellowhelpers. The word fellowhelpers is translated from the Greek word synergos. The meaning of this word is co-laborer or fellow-worker. Thus, Christians should be fellow workers with all other Christians in the great task of spreading the life-transforming truth of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. This verse is great news to those who would like to do the work of a missionary but cannot for one reason or another, because here, John writes that in God’s eyes those Christian’s who merely provide support for the mission worker are at work with the missionary in the very work of spreading the gospel. It is the responsibility of the Christian to support those who are missionaries, by so doing this, the supporter gets the opportunity to enjoy his or her involvement in the spreading of the gospel.
3 John 1:9. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
9. I wrote unto the church. The letter that John wrote to Diotrephes has to not been found to this day, it is possible that Diotrephes himself may have destroyed the letter due to its content. In this verse, the word church is translated from the Greek word ekklesia. The meaning of this word is those which are called out. Diotrephes. The person of Diotrephes is appears only here in the epistle of Third John. His name is found nowhere else in the entire New Testament. Who loveth to have the preeminence. The word preeminence is translated from the Greek word philoproteuo. The meaning of this word; is to love to be first. This word conveys the idea of someone who is selfish, self-centered, and self-seeking. The language here suggests that Diotrephes was one who served no one, but wanted everyone to serve him. This attitude clearly goes against the teachings of Christ in the New Testament (see Matt. 20:20-28). Receiveth us not. The word receiveth is translated from the Greek word epidechomai. The meaning of this word is to receive on or upon. Thus, in this verse Diotrephes had rejected those in positions of authority in the church by rejecting the message that was sent to him. He did this because of his love of self.
3 John 1:10. 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.
10. If I come, I will remember his deeds. The word deed is translated from the Greek word ergon. The meaning of this word is work. Prating against us with malicious words. The word prating is translated from the Greek word phluareo. The meaning of this word is prattle or to utter foolish talk. The word prating comes from a word meaning “to bubble up” and has the idea of useless, empty jabber. Neither doth he himself receive the brethren. The word receiveth is translated from the Greek word epidechomai. The meaning of this word is to receive on or upon. Forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church. Not only did Diotrephes not receive the brethren, but in addition he had forbidden any member of his church to receive them, if one did receive one of the brethren, he excommunicated them from his church. Thus it is clear that Diotrephes would have no one resist his authority, so he excommunicated anyone who attempted to.
3 John 1:11. 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.
11. Follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. The word evil is translated from the Greek word kkopoieo. The meaning of this word is literally, to do evil. The word good is translated from the Greek word agathon. The meaning of this word is literally, that which is good. The true Christian may be described as being both from God (1 John 4:4-6) and as having seen God (1 John 3:6). He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. The word seen is translated from the Greek word horao. The meaning of this word is to see, discern, or take heed. It would appear that by the actions of Diotrephes, he had never seen God. He did not bear any fruit and as the Bible tells us, faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). By making this statement, John is questioning whether Diotrephes is really a Christian at all.
3 John 1:12. 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.
12. Demetrius. Hath good report of all. Of the truth itself. Although Gaius was known to welcome strangers, John deemed it necessary to introduce Demetrius as trustworthy due to the fact that he was the messenger of this letter. It was important that Gaius could trust the authenticity of this letter. There is nothing else known of this messenger other than what is written in this epistle. From this epistle John makes it clear that Demetrius is an excellent role model or example and much like Gaius he not only professed his faith but also practiced it by living in a manner consistent with the Christian faith.
3 John 1:13. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee.
13. I will not with ink and pen write unto thee. The word ink is translated from the Greek word melan. The meaning of this word is literally, ink. The word pen is translated from the Greek word kalamos. The meaning of this word is literally, pen or reed. By this statement John either means that he has much more to write than he can fit on to one sheet of papyrus or that he would prefer not to write these things on to paper but rather speak them to Gaius by mouth.
3 John 1:14. 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.
14. We shall speak face to face. The word face is translated from the Greek word stoma. The meaning of this word is mouth to mouth. Here John informs Gaius that he planned to visit him in the near future and during that visit he would speak to him about the many things that he desire not to write.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this brief epistle that has been included in the New Testament had significant meaning to the believers of the time that it was written, but in addition, it also has just as much meaning to the believer today. From this epistle, the believer is given instruction detailing their responsibility to support the spread of the gospel, by providing aid and support to the Christian mission workers. In addition, John provides two good examples of what it looks like when one walks in the truth, through the persons of Gaius and Demetrius. Then he also provides us with an example of how not to behave, in the person of Diotrephes. After reading this commentary, it is appropriate to ask yourself some very important questions. First, are you walking in the truth? Second, if you are walking in the truth, are you providing for the Christian missionaries in an attempt to co-labor with them in the spread of the gospel? Remember what Romans 10:17 says: “So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” If we do not support our mission workers, then how will they go out and spread the good news of the gospel to bring the lost to a faith in Christ?


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