Author: The Apostle John
The nearly identical style, structure, and length of 3 John to 2 John, and closely related material to 1 John, shows them to have the same author.
Date: 90-95 AD
Purpose: To encourage Gaius, to expose Diotrephes, and to recommend Demetrius to Gaius.
Read 3 John 1:1
– What meaning does John referring to himself, not simply as “an elder” but “the elder” carry?
John says that he loves Gaius “in truth.” This makes it seem that John truly loves Gaius. In the Greek, the lack of an article (“the”) shows this love to be one of quality (in what way), not quantity (how much). The point is that John loves Gaius “in relation to the truth” or “in the sphere of truth.” This also implies that John doesn’t love Gaius’ sin or error.
– Discuss.
Read 3 John 1:2-4
– John says that he prays for Gaius in the present indicative (I continue praying…). How does this show how his love was being lived out?
– John prays for Gaius’ body and soul. What does this imply?
Right now, body and soul cannot be separated (if we are to remain alive). In the same way, doctrine and practice cannot be separated. In the Lord’s Supper liturgy we say, “Lift up your hearts!” This part of the liturgy is not made merely to souls but also to the living flesh that encases the soul.
Similarly, doctrine is not merely abstract truth. It is also practical. Doctrine is not just what we believe. It is also lived out–how we use our mouths, our eyes, our ears, our hands, even our hearts. Our bodies are the agents, the tools, the vehicles of our souls–the way we live out God’s truths in our lives.
John simply affirms such a worldview when he prays for Gaius’ entire person–body and soul. John simply affirms this reality when he says that nothing brings him more joy than his children “walking in the truth,” that is, that they not only have pure doctrine but are also living it out.
Read 3 John 1:5-7
– Whom did Gaius help? John uses two words to describe them.
– How did they speak of Gaius and to whom?
– How did Gaius help them?
– These brothers “went out for the sake of the Name.” What does that mean?
– Who are the “Gentiles” (ethnee) in verse 7?
Read 3 John 1:8
– John rarely uses “therefore.” When he does we should take note. What does he conclude in verse 8?
Read 3 John 1:9-10
– Whose authority does Diotrephes not recognize (note the word “our”)?
– This refusal to put himself under the Church’s authority lived itself out in three ways. What are they?
Read 3 John 1:11-12
Greek usage often leaves the object of an adjective unstated but understood. In verse 11, that is what is taking place. John writes: “Beloved, do not emulate the evil [one] but the good [One].”
– What is the difference in focus between the ESV and pastor’s translation?
– What is John saying when we writes, “Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God”?
– What is John not saying?
– What are the two pillars supporting Demetrius?
Read 3 John 1:13-15
– Discuss John’s sending of peace to Gaius.
