Commentary on the Third Letter of John
This letter also could be named, the letter to Gaius:
“The older man to Gaius, the beloved, whom I truly love.
2Beloved one, I pray that in all things you continue to prosper and enjoy good health, just as you are now prospering. 3For I rejoiced very much when brothers came and bore witness about the truth you hold, as you go on walking in the truth. 4No greater joy do I have than this: that I should hear that my children go on walking in the truth.
5Beloved one, you show your faithfulness in what you do for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6They have given a witness about your love before the congregation. Please send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7For it was in behalf of his name that they went out, not taking anything from the people of the nations. 8So we are under obligation to show hospitality to such ones, so that we may become fellow workers in the truth.
9I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not accept anything from us with respect. 10That is why if I come, I will call attention to the works he is doing in spreading malicious talk about us. Not being content with this, he refuses to welcome the brothers with respect; and those who want to welcome them, he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation.
11Beloved one, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. The one who does good originates with God. The one who does bad has not seen God. 12Demetrius has been well-reported-on by them all and by the truth itself. In fact, we too are bearing witness about him, and you know that the witness we give is true.
13I had many things to write you, but I do not wish to go on writing you with pen and ink. 14However, I am hoping to see you soon, and we will speak face-to-face” (verses 1-14).
The apostle John mentions the presence in the Christian congregation, of a harmful individual. His name is Diotrephes, who behaves like a tyrannical wolf, mistreating the brothers and sisters of the Christian congregation. In the letter from the disciple Jude, it is explained how the infiltration of these malicious people takes place, and how to identify them (the letter of Jude).
***
John is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is also the writer one of the Gospel which bears his name and as well as the book of Apocalypse or Revelation…
***
Table of contents of the website
Reading the Bible daily, this table of contents contains informative Bible articles (Please click on the link above to view it)…
Table of languages of more than seventy languages, with six important biblical articles, written in each of these languages…
***