3 John 1
14 verses
The elder writes to Gaius, whom he loves in truth, rejoicing that Gaius walks in the truth—a phrase emphasizing steadfast adherence to Christian faith and practice despite cultural pressures. Gaius is commended for his hospitality toward the brothers and sisters, especially strangers who have journeyed on behalf of the Name of Christ, demonstrating practical support for missionary work. Diotrephes, by contrast, loves to be first (philoprōteuōn), refuses to acknowledge John's apostolic authority, and actively prevents members from welcoming the brothers while removing those who do so from the community. This pattern reveals the danger of authoritarian leadership that prioritizes personal prominence over the common good and fractures community unity through coercive control. The elder's plan to address these issues directly upon visiting establishes the importance of face-to-face accountability in pastoral ministry. Demetrius, by contrast, receives commendation from all, his reputation for godliness and good works preceding him; the elder urges Gaius not to imitate evil but good, to follow the model of Demetrius and refuse the pattern of Diotrephes.
VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER
1
The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
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The thread of covenant runs through every book of the Bible.. My grandmother used to quote this verse every morning. The...
2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
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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.
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4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
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God is faithful in every circumstance.. Their context of persecution gives these words a weight we often miss.. This is ...
5
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
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The promise here is not conditional on our strength but on His character.. What a reminder that God's ways are not our w...
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:
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God is faithful in every circumstance.. Reading the Psalms alongside this gives a fuller picture of what the author was ...
7
Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
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When we read this alongside the surrounding chapters, the narrative arc becomes clear: God is always working redemption,...
8
We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
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God is faithful in every circumstance.. God is faithful in every circumstance.. God is faithful in every circumstance.. ...
9
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
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When we read this alongside the surrounding chapters, the narrative arc becomes clear: God is always working redemption,...
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.
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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.
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My grandmother used to quote this verse every morning. God is faithful in every circumstance.. Today it speaks comfort; ...
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.
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13
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
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God is faithful in every circumstance.. Following God is costly, but the reward is eternal.. It implies covenant loyalty...
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.
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COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
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