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When was the last time you heard a quote from 3 John? I haven’t recently, and I’m constantly reading books and listening to podcasts about the New Testament.
We hear quotes from the Gospels, Romans and Ephesians, which seem to be the most quotable of the letters. And I love repeating James’ words about enduring trials (James 1:2-4). It’s not that 3 John doesn’t have a quotable verse; I find 3 John 1:2 encouraging. . .
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers! (NASB)
Amen, and I pray this blessing upon all of you, too.
When I read 2 John and 3 John, I find affinity with the first verse in each epistle. . .
The elder to the elect lady and her children (2 John 1:1).
This letter is from John, the elder (3 John 1:1).
John, the last living apostle at the time of his writing 2 and 3 John, opens by calling himself “elder” — as I often call myself “OG” for “Old Guy” in Interruptions. So, my interpretation of 3 John 1:1 would be. . .
This letter is from John, the OG!
Yes, in ancient times when people took this type of thing more seriously, I would be arrested and charged with heresy. But both 2 and 3 John were written by the Apostle John, who was probably in his 90s at the time of his penmanship.
In 3rd John 1:2-4, John encourages his readers to walk in truth. . .
For I was overjoyed when brothers came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
The Greek word for “truth” is “alethia,” a word, in my opinion, that reads as one of most beautiful words by pronunciation in the entire Bible. Pronounce this word as
“a lay thay a” and say it out loud several times to hear what I mean.
Alethia means truth in contrast to falsehood.
At the time John wrote his epistles (1, 2, and 3 John), cults and false teachings began appearing in the church. Chief among the heresies was Gnosticism emphasizing secret spiritual knowledge about Jesus while downplaying His actual physical and divine existence.
After encouraging his readers to continue in the truth, John gets personal. . .
I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say (3 John 1:9).
Imagine getting your name mentioned specifically in Scripture in such a negative manner, but John believes it necessary to call out Diotrephes because of his controlling leadership influence. In contrast to Diotrephes, John mentions Demetrius as an example of godliness. . .
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself (1:12a).
“Yay” for Demetrius and “Boo” for Diotrephes!
Third John challenges us to an awareness of unbiblical teaching and over-controlling leaders — two issues that continue to plague the church even to this day! John then gives a direct message that remains relevant today. . .
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does what is good is of God; the one who does what is evil has not seen God (1:11).
And last of all, the Elder (though writing long ago) and the OG (though writing today) both have a message to all the readers of Interruptions. . .
Peace be to you! (3 John 1:15a)