Grace Institute: General Epistles & Revelation: 3 John

3 John Survey of the New Testament: General Epistles & Revelation Winter 2007

• Download the notes as a PDF file.
• Listen to the Audio (Feburary 28, 2007 - Part 1)

Introduction (1:1)

Authorship

The author of this epistle also identifies himself as “the elder.” The exclusive Christian tradition has been that this elder is the apostle John.

Audience

John addresses his letter to Gaius. All that is known of Gaius is that he is loved by John. However, given the context, perhaps he is a member of the church John is addressing in 1 st and/or 2 nd John.

Background

It appears that John has sent his representatives to this church struggling with false teaching. Gaius offered his hospitality to these representatives, so John is writing to thank Gaius for his hospitality.

Structure

I. Greeting (vs. 1-2)

II. John's Good Report Regarding Gaius (vs. 3-8)

III. John's Bad Report Regarding Diotrephes (vs. 9-11)

IV. John's Good Report Regarding Demetrius (vs.12)

V. Ending Remarks (vs. 13-15)

Greeting (vs. 1-2)

John begins with a standard greeting a prayer to Gaius, asking that God would give him prosperity and good health.

John's Good Report Regarding Gaius (vs. 3-8)

John is glad to hear that Gaius has not gone off with the false teachers and has remained in the truth (vs. 3). This brings John great joy (vs. 4).

John praises Gaius for extending hospitality to his friends who have brought this report back to John (vs. 5-6). John's representatives hare good people who should be supported, for they don't ask for anything from the Gentiles (vs. 7-8). Gentiles here probably are a reference to non-believers, not non-Jews.

John's Bad Report Regarding Diotrephes (vs. 9-11)

John states that Diotrephes had rejected his authority as an apostle and has stood against previous letters John has sent (vs. 9). This could possibly be a reference to 1 st John.

Furthermore, Diotrephes did not extend hospitality to John's representatives, and he discouraged others from extending hospitality as well (vs. 10). While Diotrephes is clearly set himself as John's enemy, John encourages Gaius to do good to Diotrephes, not imitating those who are evil, but those who are good (vs. 11).

John's Good Report Regarding Demetrius (vs. 12)

John's representative have delivered a good report regarding Demetrius (vs. 12)

Ending Remarks (vs. 13-15)

John ends by saying he has many other things to say, but he'd rather not write them (vs. 13) but instead he hopes to see him face to face shortly (vs. 14). John ends with a greeting from others and a wish for peace (vs. 15).