STUDIES IN THE EPISTLES OF SECOND AND THIRD JOHN

STUDIES IN THE EPISTLES OF SECOND AND THIRD JOHN Bob Buchanan 1

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLE OF SECOND JOHN I. The AUTHOR of the INSPIRED EPISTLE of SECOND JOHN A. NOTE that the inspired author IS NOT NAMED in Second John. The same is true of THIRD JOHN (III John 1). B. However, from the time of IRENAEUS in the latter part of the SECOND CENTURY, the author was thought to be JOHN, THE APOSTLE, the son of Zebedee. 1. CONSIDER: Irenaeus knew POLYCARP, and Polycarp was said to be the PUPIL of the apostle JOHN. 2. OBSERVE ALSO that First John is very closely connected to the GOSPEL OF JOHN in vocabulary, style. thought, and scope (Westcott, p. xxx, xxxi). However, Second John has some of the same THEMES as First John. 3. POLYCARP, who is dated about 120-140 A. D. referred to I John 4:2, 3 and II John 7. Note this quote from Polycarp: "For everyone who does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is an anti-christ"; and whosoever does not confess the testimony of the Cross is of the devil: and whosoever perverts the oracles of the Lord for his own lusts, and says that there is neither resurrection nor judgment, -- this man is the first-born of Satan (Polycarp, To the Philippians, 7, 1). (Underlining by this writer). 4. IRENAEUS also affirmed that JOHN wrote the GOSPEL of JOHN. He quoted John s statement, The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14), and he said that JOHN wrote this Scripture concerning Jesus INCARNATION (Against Heresies, I, 9, 2). 5. IRENAEUS also asserted that JOHN wrote his GOSPEL during the time he lived at EPHESUS in ASIA (Against Heresies, III, 1, 1). 6. Therefore, the evidence seems strong that JOHN THE APOSTLE wrote the GOSPEL OF JOHN, as well as the THREE EPISTLES of John. This is also true of the book of REVELATION. 7. However, it must also be stated that some writers affirm that there were TWO MEN named JOHN who lived at EPHESUS close to 100 A. D., (1) JOHN 2

the apostle, and (2) Another JOHN called the ELDER who perhaps was taught by the apostle (See II John 1 and III John 1). The writer of this booklet prefers the position that the APOSTLE JOHN is the inspired author of all of these epistles. II. The PLACE of WRITING and the DATE of WRITING of Second John. A. There is a strong TRADITION that places the APOSTLE JOHN in the City of EPHESUS during the final years of his life. B. It is recalled that JOHN had been EXILED to the island of PATMOS (Revelation 1:9). Patmos is in the Aegean Sea NOT VERY FAR AWAY FROM EPHESUS. Please consult a MAP of that area. 1. John s EXILE probably took place during the REIGN of EMPEROR DOMITIAN (81-96 A. D.). 2. John possibly lived until the EARLY YEARS of the RULE of EMPEROR TRAJAN (98-117 A. D.). 3. Therefore, Second John may have been written about 100 A. D.. 4. NOTE: Because the FALSE TEACHING discussed in First and Second John was spreading at the end of the first century, we have an additional reason to affirm this approximate date. Please see the discussion of this FALSE TEACHING BELOW. III. The RECIPIENTS of the EPISTLE OF SECOND JOHN A. OBSERVE that the epistle is sent to THE CHOSEN LADY ( eklekte kuria ) and HER CHILDREN (II John 1). 1. The epistle of THIRD John was written to a brother in Christ named GAIUS (III John 1). 2. NOTE ALSO that in II John 13, the author spoke of THE CHILDREN OF YOUR CHOSEN (ELECT) SISTER B. The phrase, CHOSEN LADY probably does NOT refer to a particular person, but rather to a CONGREGATION, and the phrase HER CHILDREN would then refer to INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS of the congregation. 3

1. The apostle PETER may also be speaking of a CONGREGATION which was CHOSEN (I Peter 5:13). 2. The UNIVERSAL CHURCH is called a BRIDE (Revelation 21:2, 9, etc.). Read also II Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:22-33. C. This LADY is the ELECT (American Standard Version) or the CHOSEN LADY 1. It is recalled that, in the Old Testament, Israel was the CHOSEN of God (Isaiah 45:4). 2. CONSIDER ALSO that CHRISTIANS are the CHOSEN of God (II Timothy 2:10; I Peter 1:1). (Bruce, page 137). IV.. The FALSE TEACHING discussed in SECOND John is the same ERROR which is found in FIRST John. A. CONSIDER that the ANTICHRIST DENIED that JESUS IS THE CHRIST (I John 2:22, 23). They were DECEIVING or LEADING PEOPLE ASTRAY (I John 2:26). B. Then, OBSERVE that, in SECOND John, the recipients were warned about DECEIVERS who were NOT abiding in the TEACHING OF CHRIST (II John 7-9). C. REVIEW ALSO that the ANTICHRIST of FIRST John DENIED that JESUS CHRIST HAD COME IN THE FLESH (I John 4:2, 3). D. NOTE ALSO that SECOND John is speaking of the DECEIVER and the ANTICHRIST who DENIED that JESUS CHRIST HAD COME IN THE FLESH (Second John 7). V. NOW, CONSIDER the false teaching of a man named CERINTHUS who lived in the days of the APOSTLE JOHN: A. Note this QUOTE from Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History (4, 14, 6). He lived from approximately 260-341 A. D. Whether this event below actually happened, we cannot say. And there are those that heard from him that John, the disciple of the Lord, going to bathe in Ephesus and seeing Cerinthus within, ran out of 4

the bath-house without bathing, crying, Let us flee, lest even the bath fall, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within. B. The teaching of CERINTHUS 1. This false teacher was influencing people in the LATTER PART of the FIRST CENTURY. 2. He taught that the DIVINE CHRIST descended on the HUMAN JESUS at His BAPTISM and LEFT HIM BEFORE THE CRUCIFIXION. Therefore, he taught that the DIVINE, supernatural CHRIST did NOT SUFFER! 3. Consider the following QUOTE by an early writer who opposed this teaching: Cerinthus, again, a man who was educated in the wisdom of the Egyptians, taught that the world was not made by the primary God, but by a certain Power far separated from him, and at a distance from that Principality who is supreme over the universe, and ignorant of him who is above all. He represented Jesus as having not been born of a virgin, but as being the son of Joseph and Mary according to the ordinary course of human generation, while he nevertheless was more righteous, prudent, and wiser than other men. Moreover, after his baptism, Christ descended upon him in the form of a dove from the Supreme Ruler, and that then he proclaimed the unknown Father, and performed miracles. But at last Christ departed from Jesus, and that then Jesus suffered and rose again, while Christ remained impassible, inasmuch as he was a spiritual being. (Irenaeus, Against Heresies, I, 26, 1) 4. NOTE TWO TEACHINGS of CERINTHUS above which are condemned in the epistles of JOHN: a. Observe above that he taught that JESUS and the CHRIST were two different beings, whereas the Scriptures teach that JESUS IS THE CHRIST THE SON OF GOD (I John 2:22; 5:5; etc.). b. He was also teaching that the CHRIST descended on the HUMAN JESUS at His BAPTISM, and left Him BEFORE THE CRUCIFIXION. However, JESUS CHRIST HAS COME IN THE FLESH (I John 4:2, 3; II John 7; See also John 1:14). 5. There are also other teachings of the early GNOSTICS and the DOCETISTS which seem to be opposed in the GOSPEL of John and First and Second John. PLEASE CONSULT ALSO THE BOOKLET ON FIRST JOHN. VI. IMPORTANT LESSONS FOUND IN SECOND JOHN 5

A. Two emphases of FIRST John are also themes of II and III John (I John 3:23). 1. The EMPHASIS on Believing in the name of His Son Jesus Christ is truly expressing the TRUE IDENTITY of Jesus (See I John 3:23; 2:22, 23; 4:2, 3; 5:5, etc. and compare with Second John 7-11. 2. REVIEW the EMPHASIS on LOVING ONE ANOTHER in FIRST JOHN 2:7-11; 3:11-18; 4:7-21, etc. and compare this with SECOND JOHN 5, 6. B. Another important LESSON in SECOND John is the emphasis on TRUTH (II John 1-4). Study also the GOSPEL of John 8:31, 32; 14:6; 17:17; III John 1, 4, 8, 12, etc.. C. Yet, another vital LESSON is the need to AVOID APPROVING, and ASSISTING The propagation of a FALSE TEACHING (II John 10, 11). A SHORT OUTLINE OF THE EPISTLE OF SECOND JOHN I. The GREETING of JOHN (Verses 1-3) II. There was GOOD REASON to REJOICE (Verse 4) III. John s ENCOURAGEMENT concerning LOVE (Verses 5, 6) IV. The WARNING concerning the FALSE TEACHERS (Verses 7-11) A. The READERS must BEWARE of the FALSE TEACHERS who GO TOO FAR and DO NOT ABIDE in the TEACHING OF CHRIST (Verses 7-9) B. The COMMAND to express NO HOSPITALITY to the FALSE TEACHERS (Verses 10, 11) V. John s DESIRE to VISIT THEM and SPEAK FACE TO FACE (Verse 12) VI. A GREETING from the CHILDREN of their CHOSEN SISTER (Verse 13) 6

REVIEW QUESTIONS ON THE INTRODUCTION TO SECOND JOHN 1. Please give the names of at least TWO WRITERS of the second century who believed that the GOSPEL of John and the THREE EPISTLES were written by the apostle John. 2. WHEN do we believe that SECOND JOHN was written? Give a REASON for believing that it was written AT THIS TIME. 3. What CITY is the possible LOCATION where SECOND JOHN was written? 4. WHO seem to be the RECIPIENTS of the epistle of SECOND JOHN? What is meant by the term, the ELECT LADY? (II John 1). 5. What is the meaning of the word, ELECT? Discuss how this word was used BOTH In the OLD and NEW TESTAMENTS. 6. What was a MAJOR TEACHING of the ANTICHRIST in FIRST and SECOND JOHN? 7. What were TWO MAJOR DOCTRINES of the FALSE TEACHER CERINTHUS in the days of JOHN? 8. NAME TWO GROUPS of FALSE TEACHERS who also seem to be OPPOSED in FIRST and SECOND JOHN. 9. Discuss THREE IMPORTANT LESSONS which are observed in SECOND JOHN. A STUDY OF THE TEXT OF SECOND JOHN I. The GREETING of JOHN (Verses 1-3). A. The ELDER of II John 1 and III John 1 ( ho presbuteros ). 1. Because of the SIMILARITIES such as vocabulary, style, and content, the inspired author of SECOND JOHN is thought to be the same disciple, JOHN the apostle, as the author of FIRST JOHN and the GOSPEL of John. All of these writings are very closely connected. 7

2. Possible SUGGESTIONS concerning WHY John might have used the term ELDER to describe himself: a. This word, or a related word, presbutes is used for an OLDER MAN, and John would have been an OLDER MAN when this epistle was written. Note also Philemon 9 and I Timothy 5:1. b. Some suggest that JOHN might have been an ELDER of the CHURCH. Observe that PETER wan an ELDER of a local congregation (I Peter 5:1). c. It is known that writers of the second century would refer to the early witnesses of JESUS as ANCIENT ONES (Roberts, pages 151, 152). Perhaps, the FIRST ONE above is more PROBABLE. B. The IDENTITY of the ELECT (CHOSEN) LADY and her CHILDREN (II John 1: III John 1). 1. It is probable that John is referring to a LOCAL CONGREGATION to whom he is writing. If so, her children would refer to INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS of that congregation. 2. CONSIDER also II John 13, The children of your chosen sister greet you. John is perhaps referring to the greeting of the church where he is located. 3. REVIEW the notes on the ELECT LADY in the INTRODUCTION to this booklet. 4. RECALL ALSO that, in FIRST John, the apostle referred several times to his LITTLE CHILDREN. Read I John 2:12, 18, 28; 3:7, etc.. C. NOTE CAREFULLY that Christians are GOD S ELECT ( eklekte ) or CHOSEN people (Arndt and Gingrich Greek Lexicon, page 242). 1. In the Old Testament, the nation of ISRAEL was GOD S CHOSEN people (Exodus 19:5, 6; Deuteronomy 4:37; I Chronicles 16:13; Psalm 89:3; Isaiah 65:9, etc.). 2. Under the GOSPEL, disciples of Christ are a CHOSEN RACE, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, etc. (I Peter 2:9). Study also Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1). 8

3. The word, ELECT also means outstanding or choice. In Romans 16:13, RUFUS was a CHOICE MAN! D. JOHN and all who know the truth LOVED the ELECT LADY and her CHILDREN (II John 1, 2). 1. It is TRUE that, when we really understand the LOVE OF GOD FOR US, (I John 4:16), we will truly LOVE HIM, and LOVE OUR BROTHERS (I John 4:21; 5:1). 2. CONSIDER that the word, TRUTH ( aletheia ) is found FIVE TIMES in II John 1-4. 3. STUDY the following thoughts concerning TRUTH: a. Disciples of Christ must KNOW THE TRUTH (II John 1: John 8:31, 32). b. Disciples of Christ must have the TRUTH ABIDING in them (II John 2). c. ALSO, disciples of Christ must WALK IN TRUTH (II John 4). 4. Concerning TRUTH, John had taught his readers in FIRST John that what they had received FROM THE BEGINNING must REMAIN in them (I John 2:3-6, 24). 5. DECEIVERS had come! (I John 2:26; II John 7). Because of the FALSE TEACHERS (II John 5-11), this GREAT EMPHASIS on TRUTH was so very important. 6. OBSERVE: The word, TRUTH and the phrase, DOCTRINE OF CHRIST (II John 9) seem to have basically the same meaning (Roberts, page 153). E. The PROMISE that GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE would be with them was from GOD THE FATHER and from JESUS CHRIST the SON (II John 3). 1. NOTE the following: a. TRUTH would be with them FOREVER (II John 2) 9

b. GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE would also BE WITH THEM (II John 3). 2. God s BLESSINGS such as GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE are as CONSTANT and ENDURING as the TRUTH (Roberts, page 154). 3. A common GREETING in the ANCIENT WORLD was chairein This word meant, Rejoice, be glad and welcome, good day, hail, I am glad to see you (A. and G., pages 881, 882). It is translated greetings in James 1:1 and Acts 15:23. 4. NOTE GRACE and PEACE as a greeting in Paul s writings (Romans 1:7; I Corinthians 1:3; II Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 1:2, etc.). 5. However, observe GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE in I Timothy 1:2 and II Timothy 1:2. Examine also, May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you (Jude 2). 6. CONSIDER: GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE come from: a. GOD THE FATHER, AND b. FROM JESUS CHRIST, the SON of the FATHER (II John 3). 6. PLEASE RECALL that the false teacher CERINTHUS taught that JESUS was NOT THE CHRIST, but that the divine CHRIST descended on the HUMAN JESUS at His BAPTISM, and left Him BEFORE the CROSS! Review John s teaching about the ANTICHRIST in I John 2:22, 23. THEREFORE, THIS STATEMENT, From JESUS CHRIST, the SON of the FATHER, is speaking AGAINST this false teaching. 7. When TRUTH is OBEYED and LOVE is DEMONSTRATED to everyone, these blessings of GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE will come from the FATHER and the SON! NOTE the phrase, in truth and love ( en aletheia kai agape ). II. John had a REASON to REJOICE! He REJOICED that Christians were WALKING in TRUTH (II John 4). A. John had found SOME of the LADY S CHILDREN who were WALKING IN 10

TRUTH. This probably refers to some of the members of a congregation to which John was writing. 1. John had probably HEARD ABOUT or MET some who were faithful to Christ. He was VERY GLAD to find some who were walking in truth! 2. This seems to indicate that SOME IN THE CONGREGATION were NOT FAITHFUL to the Lord! 3. Perhaps, MOST in the congregation were WALKING IN TRUTH! WHY would one say this? Because John was VERY GLAD! The word, lian here means exceedingly. (A. and G., page 474). John was exceedingly glad! Read also THIRD John 4. See this expression also in Luke 23:8 where HEROD was VERY GLAD to see JESUS. B. The expression, WALKING IN TRUTH means LIVING IN TRUTH! It is a WAY OF LIFE! Read again III John 4 and I John 2:6. C. When these Christian had FELLOWSHIP with the FATHER, the SON, and ONE ANOTHER, the JOY of John, and OTHERS would be COMPLETE (I John 1:3, 4). D. NOTE: This verse, II John 4, states that WALKING IN TRUTH is a COMMAND from the FATHER! Study also I John 3:22, 23. III. John s ENCOURAGEMENT to LOVE (II John 5, 6). A. John was NOT writing a NEW COMMANDMENT (II John 5). 1. Notice John s teaching concerning an OLD and NEW commandment in I John 2:7, 8. 2. John s READERS had heard about LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER from the BEGINNING, at the time they were first taught the GOSPEL. Read again the phrase FROM THE BEGINNING in I John 2:7, 24; 3:11. 3. Review the emphasis on LOVE OF BROTHERS in John s FIRST EPISTLE (I John 2:7-11; 3:10-18, 23; 4:11-21). B. The LORD wants every Christian to DEVELOP a WAY OF LIFE (II John 6). Disciples are to WALK according to His COMMANDMENTS! 11

1. CONSIDER this QUOTE: This is the command which was given you from the beginning to be your rule of life. We have the same emphasis on love as in the first epistle, the same identification of love and obedience, the same insistence on what has been held from the beginning (Bruce, page 140). 2. The command to LOVE is a SUMMARY commandment (Roberts, page 158). It includes everything God has revealed about Himself and His WILL for man. 3. OBSERVE these parallel statements given by JOHN: a. WALKING IN TRUTH (II John 4) b. WALKING ACCORDING TO HIS COMMANDMENTS (II John 6) 4. NOTE that John REPEATED the phrase that his readers had heard these things FROM THE BEGINNING! See the previous verse again (II John 5). 5. The phrase, WALK IN IT ( en auto ) at the end of verse 6 probably means to WALK IN LOVE. IV. John s WARNING concerning FALSE TEACHERS (II John 7-11). A. These FALSE TEACHERS were GOING BEYOND the DOCTRINE OF CHRIST (II John 7-9). 1. The QUESTION may be asked, WHY should disciples WALK IN TRUTH and WALK IN LOVE? Examine II John 7. a. The first word in verse 7, FOR ( hoti ), means BECAUSE! b. The REASON is that many DECEIVERS had gone out into the world Compare I John 4:1. Review I John 2:18-23; 4:1-5 and 2:26. 2. John said that these DECEIVERS did NOT CONFESS JESUS CHRIST AS COMING IN THE FLESH! Read also the GOSPEL of John 1:14 and I John 4:2, 3 again. 3. CONSIDER: The GNOSTICS and the DOCETISTS believed that the PHYSICAL BODY is EVIL, and, therefore, that sinless DEITY could NOT LIVE in an EVIL PHYSICAL BODY! They denied the 12

INCARNATION of Jesus! Consult the INTRODUCTION to the booklet on First John. 4. REVIEW: The false teacher CERINTHUS, who lived at the time of John, taught that the Christ descended on the human Jesus at His baptism, and left Him BEFORE JESUS DIED! See again the INTRODUCTION of this booklet. 5. OBSERVE that these DECEIVERS were also ANTICHRISTS (II John 7; I John 2:22; 4:2, 3). There were many ANTICHRISTS! (I John 2:18). 6. John encouraged his readers to WATCH YOURSELVES! (II John 8). a. He did not want these disciples to LOSE WHAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED. Some manuscripts read What YOU have accomplished. b. This may refer to the FRUIT of their labor in winning souls (John 4:36; 15:8; I Corinthians 3:8, 14). c. John wanted them to have a FULL REWARD Read Revelation 22:12. d. Certainly, the great GOAL of the disciple of Christ is ETERNAL LIFE! (I John 2:25). However, note also that, at the Second Coming of Christ, Paul s converts would be his JOY and CROWN (I Thessalonians 2:19, 20). Could this be considered part of a FULL REWARD? 7. The one who GOES BEYOND ( goes too far ), and does not abide in the DOCTRINE (teaching) of CHRIST does NOT HAVE GOD (II John 9). a. The word for GOES BEYOND ( proagon ) means to go before someone or to lead the way, precede (A. and G., page 709). See this meaning, led the way go before in Mark 14:28; Matthew 28:7; Luke 18:39. QUESTION: Were these false teachers seeking to be PROGRESSIVE in their thinking? b. The expression, TEACHING (doctrine) of CHRIST may mean either: 13

(1) The DOCTRINE or teaching ABOUT CHRIST, OR, (2) The TEACHING (doctrine) which CAME FROM CHRIST, or was TAUGHT BY CHRIST (Roberts, page 163). (3) Examine this QUOTE: The apostolic teaching could be called the teaching of Christ either because it is the teaching which derives from Christ and is vested with His authority or because it is the authoritative and true teaching about Christ (Bruce, page 141). (Underlining by this writer). c. BOTH of these suggestions are TRUE! (1) There is a BODY of TEACHING, a doctrine ( didache ) which came from the Lord (Romans 6:17; 16:17, 18; Titus 1:9, etc.). Review also John s emphasis on TRUTH (II John 4, etc.). (2) HOWEVER, in the CONTEXT of II John 9, John is speaking of the DOCTRINE ABOUT CHRIST! The false teachers denied that Jesus Christ had come in the flesh (II John 7, 8). d. The one who does NOT bring the DOCTRINE OF CHRIST does NOT have GOD! The one who abides in the teaching has both the FATHER and the SON! Note this same thought in the CONTEXT of the ANTICHRISTS (I John 2:23). B. John ENCOURAGED his readers NOT to SHOW HOSPITALITY to the false teachers (II John 10, 11). 1. NOTE this QUOTE from the writing called the DIDACHE of the early Second century. The author is unknown. Note the emphasis on hospitality and NOT offering hospitality. (Underlining below by this writer). Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turn and teach another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not; but if he teach so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, according to the decree of the Gospel, thus do. Let every apostle that comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not 14

remain except one day; but if there be need, also the next; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. (Didache 11, 5). 2. CONSIDER: In this passage, (II John 10, 11), John is emphasizing that his readers should NOT CONDONE, FELLOWSHIP, or ASSIST the false teachers. 3. John said, DO NOT RECEIVE HIM INTO YOUR HOUSE, and DO NOT GIVE HIM A GREETING (II John 10). a. STUDY THIS QUOTE: But for a church, or its responsible leaders, knowingly to admit within its bounds the propagation of teaching subversive of the gospel is to participate in what John describes as evil works (Bruce, page 142). b. RECALL: During the personal ministry of Jesus, the apostles, when they were sent out, would stay in a house of one who was WORTHY (Matthew 10:11-14). c. It is noted also that, many times in the first century church, the meeting place of the church was the HOME of members (Romans 16:3-5; (I Corinthians 16:19; Philemon 2, etc.). Note also that Paul desired to stay in a GUEST ROOM of Philemon (Philemon 22). d. CONSIDER the word propempein which means help on one s journey with food, money, arranging for companions, means of travel, etc. (A. and G., page 716). In III John 6, it is translated, send them on their way. See its use also in Acts 15:3; Romans 15:24; I Corinthians 16:6, 11; II Corinthians 1:16; Titus 3:13. THIS WAS A METHOD OF PREACHER SUPPORT! John s readers were NOT to ASSIST the FALSE TEACHERS! 4. Also, John s readers were encouraged NOT to give a GREETING to the FALSE TEACHERS (II John 10, 11). a. The word, GREETING ( chairein ) suggested APPROVAL of the one being greeted. It meant, welcome, good day, hail (to you), I am glad to see you (A. and G., pages 881, 882). b. Examine this word as it is used in Acts 15:23; 23:26; James 1:1, etc. 5. The one who gives a GREETING ( chairein ) would SHARE, HAVE 15

FELLOWSHIP, ( koinonei ) in the EVIL WORKS of the FALSE TEACHER (II John 11). a. Observe that Christians can SHARE, ( koinonei ) have FELLOWSHIP, in the sins of others (I Timothy 5:22). b. Paul also said that Christians should NOT PARTICIPATE, SHARE, ( sugkoinoneite ) in the unfruitful deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). V. John had a DESIRE to visit his readers and SPEAK TO THEM FACE TO FACE (II John 12). A. Literally, this verse says that John wanted to speak to them MOUTH TO MOUTH ( stoma pros stoma ). Observe that in the Old Testament also, GOD spoke to MOSES MOUTH TO MOUTH (Numbers 12:8). B. This short epistle did NOT CONTAIN many other things which John wanted to say. Read also THIRD John 13 and 14. 1. John preferred NOT to use PAPER ( chartou ) and INK ( melanos ). 2. The word for PAPER means, A sheet of paper, that is, PAPYRUS (A. and G., page 887). NOTE: Both SECOND John and THIRD John would each fit on a single sheet of PAPYRUS. Papyrus came from a REED which grew in Palestine and Egypt (Roberts, page 167). C. John was concerned that YOUR joy may be made full. Some manuscripts of this epistle have OUR joy/ Review also FIRST John 1:4. VI. A GREETING from the CHILDREN of their CHOSEN SISTER (II John 13). A. If the CHOSEN LADY (II John 1) is referring to a particular CONGREGATION of God s people, so also is the CHOSEN SISTER (Bruce, page 144). The CHILDREN also would refer to the individual members of that congregation. B. The ELECT (CHOSEN) SISTER would evidently be the congregation where John was living. Review the NOTES on II John 1. C. These Christians were sending their GREETING ( aspadzetai ) to John s READERS. 16

1. This word referred to a GREETING GIVEN when a person ENTERED THE HOUSE OF ANOTHER (Matthew 10:12). 2. It also suggested that there was a FONDNESS or CHERISHING that existed between the person GIVING the greeting, and the one RECEIVING the greeting (A. and G., page 116). 3. Examine also the FINAL GREETING which John gave in THIRD John 13, 14. REVIEW QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT OF SECOND JOHN 1. Discuss possible REASONS concerning WHY John used the term, THE ELDER to DESCRIBE HIMSELF (II John 1). 2. Which one of the REASONS, do you believe is the most PROBABLE? 3. Discuss the meaning of the ELECT (CHOSEN) LADY and her CHILDREN (II John 1) and The CHILDREN of your ELECT SISTER (ii John 13). 4. Review the word, CHOSEN and DISCUSS HOW it is used concerning Christians. How are Christians CHOSEN by God? See II Thessalonians 2:13, 14. 5. What WORD is found FIVE TIMES in II John 1-4? 6. Examine the IMPORTANCE of this WORD in the LIFE of the disciple of Christ 7. In the CONTEXT of SECOND JOHN, WHY was this word so important? (II John 7-11) 8. FROM WHOM does the PROMISE of GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE really come? (II John 3). 9. What GREEK WORD was used as a common GREETING in the ancient world? What was its MEANING? 10. WHY is the phrase, JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF THE FATHER so important in this CONTEXT concerning FALSE TEACHERS? (II John 3) 11. What GREAT REASON did John have for great REJOICING? (II John 4). 17

12. WHY do we think that MANY of the Christians to whom John wrote were WALKING IN TRUTH? 13. What is the real meaning of WALKING IN TRUTH? What does walk mean? 14. What was John s ENCOURAGEMENT in II John 5, 6? 15. What are the TWO PARALLEL STATEMENTS or phrases given by John in II John 4, 6? 16. What does, WALK IN IT mean at the end of II John 6? 17. From the CONTEXT, WHY should disciples of the Lord WALK IN TRUTH, and WALK IN LOVE? See II John 7 and the word, FOR! What REASON is given? 18. What did the DECEIVERS, that is, the ANTICHRISTS, really TEACH? (II John 7). 19. DISCUSS some of the DOCTRINES of the GNOSTICS, the DOCETISTS, and the man named CERINTHUS. 20. What is the meaning of the phrase, GOES TOO FAR in II John 9? 21. Give TWO possible MEANINGS of the phrase, DOCTRINE OF CHRIST (II John 9). 22. When you consider the CONTEXT of II John 9, which one of these meanings above is the MORE PROBABLE MEANING? 23. DISCUSS the meaning of, Do not receive him into your house, and Do not give him greeting. 24. EXAMINE and DISCUSS the meaning and usage of the Greek word, propempein. 25. What is the LITERAL MEANING of the phrase FACE TO FACE in II John 12? 26. DISCUSS ALSO the meaning of The children of your chosen sister (II John 13). 18

A STUDY OF THE EPISTLE OF THIRD JOHN 19

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLE OF THIRD JOHN I. BEGINNING COMMENTS A. There are GREAT SIMILARITIES to be found in the epistles of FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD JOHN. These include similarities in VOCABULARY, STYLE and CONTENT. EXAMINE some of these SIMILARITIES below : 1. BOTH SECOND and THIRD JOHN were written by one who called himself the ELDER (II John 1 and III John 1). However, SECOND JOHN is very SIMILAR to FIRST JOHN. Therefore, it seems certain that the THREE EPISTLES were written by the same person, the apostle JOHN. a. It is true that some scholars affirm that disciples taught by John may also have been involved. b. CONSULT the INTRODUCTION in the booklets on FIRST and SECOND JOHN. 2. Note that the author referred to his CHILDREN or his LITTLE CHILDREN in THIRD John 4, but see also FIRST John 2:1, 12, 28; 4:4, etc. 3. Review also that the author, in the beginning verses of EACH OF THESE EPISTLES emphasizes JOY (III John 4, but also I John 1:4 and II John 4). 4. OBSERVE the emphasis on TRUTH in all of these epistles (III John 1-4, 12, but also in I John 2:8, 21; 3:18 and II John 1-4). 5. CONSIDER the phrase, WALKING IN TRUTH in THIRD John 3, 4, BUT ALSO in SECOND John 4. 6. NOTE that in BOTH SECOND JOHN and THIRD JOHN, the ELDER stated that he had MANY THINGS to write, but he did NOT WANT to write with PAPER AND INK or PEN AND INK (II John 12 and III John 13). 7. In BOTH SECOND and THIRD JOHN, the ELDER wanted to speak to them FACE TO FACE, literally MOUTH TO MOUTH ( stoma pros stoma ) (II John 12 and III John 14). B. The ELDER wrote THIRD JOHN to a Christian named GAIUS (III John 1) 20

1. The name, GAIUS was a very popular name in the ROMAN world. (Bruce, page 147) 2. There was a brother in Christ named GAIUS who was the host of the apostle Paul at CORINTH (Romans 16:23). Evidently, Paul stayed at his house. See also I Corinthians 1:14. Paul had baptized him. 3. Paul also had travelling companions named GAIUS from MACEDONIA and DERBE (Acts 19:29; 20:4). 4. Because of the popularity of this NAME, we must say that the GAIUS who first received the epistle of THIRD JOHN is UNKNOWN. II. CONSIDER the following PERSONS who are mentioned in THIRD JOHN A. GAIUS, the RECIPIENT of the epistle (III John 1). B. VISITING TEACHERS, or missionaries who are NOT NAMED (III John 4-8). C. DIOTREPHES, who loved to be FIRST among them, and who was NOT HOSPITABLE or CO-OPERATIVE (III John 9, 10). D. DEMETRIUS, who had been COMMENDED by EVERYONE (III John 12). It is thought that he might have been the one who DELIVERED the EPISTLE to Gaius. III. GREAT LESSONS from the epistle of THIRD JOHN A. The need for CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY (III John 5-12). Read also Hebrews 13:2, 3 and I Peter 4:8, 9. NOTE how BROTHRLY LOVE and HOSPITALITY are CLOSELY CONNECTED! B. A COMPANION LESSON to the one on HOSPITALITY is the lesson on the SUPPORT OF PREACHERS (III John 6-8). C. The LESSON concerning UNBROTHERLY CONDUCT and UNCHRISTIAN DESIRE for PRE-EMINENCE (III John 9, 10) D. The BEAUTIFUL EMPHASIS on WALKING IN THE TRUTH (III John 3, 4). 21

AN OUTLINE OF THE EPISTLE OF THIRD JOHN I. The ELDER GREETED GAIUS (III John 1) II. The ELDER S PRAYER for GAIUS (III John 2) III. A COMMENDATION of GAIUS (III John 3, 4) IV. ENCOURAGEMENT to show HOSPITALITY and to SUPPORT MISSIONARIES (III John 5-8) V. DIOTREPHES, the brother who LOVED TO BE FIRST, is warned (III John 9, 10) VI. The ELDER S COMMENDATION of DEMETRIUS (III John 11, 12). between the TWO MEN is PRESENTED (III John 11, 12) A CONTRAST VII. The CONCLUSION of the epistle (III John 13-15) A STUDY OF THE TEXT OF THIRD JOHN I. The ELDER GREETED GAIUS (III John 1). It is believed that the ELDER is JOHN. (Please REVIEW the INTRODUCTION to FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD JOHN). A. PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS: 1. Even though it has FIFTEEN verses, the amount of material in III John shows it to be the SHORTEST EPISTLE in the New Testament. 2. CONSIDER: The epistle of SECOND JOHN was concerned about SHOWING TOO MUCH HOSPITALITY, that is, being HOSPITABLE even to FALSE TEACHERS! (II John 7-11). 3. HOWEVER, the epistle of THIRD JOHN is encouraging MORE HOSPITALITY given to FAITHFUL TEACHERS of the Word of God (III John 5-10) (Ferguson, page 97). The difference involves whether TRUTH is taught! B. The GREETING given by the ELDER to Gaius (III John 1) 1. GAIUS was LOVED by the apostle John. Observe the word, BELOVED ( agapeto ) as John addressed GAIUS (III John 1, 2, 5, 11). 22

a. Review also that John called his readers, BELOVED several times in FIRST JOHN (I John 2:7; 3:2, 21; 4:1, 7, 11). b. The ELDER truly LOVED GAIUS! Read also I Peter 1:22. 2. The ELDER LOVED GAIUS IN TRUTH! ( en aletheia ) (III John 1). a. NOTE ALSO that John used THIS SAME PHRASE in II John 1. b. Some feel that John was saying that HE TRULY LOVED GAIUS. However, John may be saying that, he LOVED GAIUS as a fellowbeliever and as one who was OF THE TRUTH (Bruce, page 138). Both John and Gaius were living in the REALM of TRUTH! Read also the following verses, III John 3, 4 and also I John 3:19 and II John 1-4. II. The ELDER S PRAYER for GAIUS (III John 2). A. John PRAYED that GAIUS WOULD PROSPER! ( euodousthai ). This word means get along well, prosper, It also means succeed (A. and G., page 324). 1. Consider the word, SUCCEED in Romans 1:10. Also, this word is translated PROSPER in I Corinthians 16:2. 2. It is possible that John was thinking of the amount of money and resources GAIUS was spending as he helped visiting missionaries (III John 5, 6). He wanted GAIUS to PROSPER! See also Titus 3:14. B. John also PRAYED that GAIUS would have PHYSICAL HEALTH! ( hugiainein ) 1. This word is used in the New Testament to indicate HEALTH and a SOUND physical body (Luke 5:31; 7:10). Note the word, SOUND in Luke 15:27. 2. HOWEVER, a form of this word is used for SOUND SPEECH (Titus 2:8), and SOUND TEACHING or PREACHING (A. and G. pages 839, 840). Study Sound Doctrine, etc. in Titus 1:8; 2:1; I Timothy 1:10; 6:3; II Timothy 1:13; 4:3. A good definition of SOUND would be in the phrase, Sound in speech which is beyond reproach (Titus 2:8). Sound doctrine would be teaching which is HEALTHY and has NO ERROR IN IT! 3. John had confidence that the SOUL ( psuche ) of GAIUS was also 23

prospering. This would be indicated in the righteous, loving, serving life which GAIUS was living. III. John s COMMENDATION of GAIUS (III John 3, 4). A. When the brothers stated that GAIUS was WALKING IN TRUTH, John was VERY GLAD (III John 3). The word, FOR ( gar ) suggests WHY John knew that GAIUS soul was PROSPERING! His life was surrounded by TRUTH! 1. Brothers BORE WITNESS ( marturounton ) to GAIUS TRUTH! This word means To testify to the truth of your way of life (A. and G., page 493). 2. OBSERVE how PAUL BORE WITNESS concerning the LIFE which disciples were living (Galatians 4:15; Colossians 4:13). 3. TRULY, GAIUS was WALKING ( peripateis ) IN TRUTH! Read also II John 4 and the NEXT VERSE, III John 4. 4. The EMPHASIS in the LIFE OF GAIUS was TRUTH! He had accepted TRUTH, and he LIVED IN IT! B. When his CHILDREN were WALKING IN TRUTH, the JOY of the apostle John was SO GREAT! (III John 4). 1. CONSIDER that John used the phrase, VERY ( lian ) GLAD in BOTH III John 3 and II John 4. 2. The ELDER spoke of MY CHILDREN who were WALKING IN TRUTH. a. OBSERVE that JESUS called the APOSTLES by the term LITTLE CHILDREN (John 13:33). b. It is possible that John was responsible for the CONVERSION to Christ of GAIUS and OTHERS, and, therefore, called them MY CHILDREN c. CONSIDER this relationship and the term, CHILDREN in I John 2:1, 28; 3:7 and also I Corinthians 4:14, 15 where Paul said, I became your father through the gospel. 24

3. OBSERVE also the phrase, WALKING IN TRUTH in the previous verse, III John 3. a. The word TRUTH in the epistles of John would refer to TRUTH about the IDENTITY of CHRIST (I John 2:18-23; 4:2. 3. etc/) BUT ALSO: b. TRUTH concerning LIVING A HOLY LIFE (I John 1:6; 2:4, 6, etc.). IV. GAIUS assisted travelling MISSIONARIES. John also gave additional encouragement concerning SUPPORT OF PREACHERS (III John 5-8). A. GAIUS had been ASSISTING BROTHERS, even STRANGERS (III John 5). 1. John s BELOVED had been WORKING ( ergase ) for the brethren. Good things had been accomplished. He was doing a faithful, loyal, trustworthy WORK! This word, work is used sometimes for SERVING OTHERS! Study I Thessalonians 5:12, 13. 2. NOTE THIS CONTRAST: (a) In this passage, GAIUS was commended for assisting FAITHFUL TEACHERS, BUT (b) In II John 9-11, John urged his readers NOT to assist FALSE TEACHERS! 3. JESUS had SENT OUT the TWELVE apostles, and He said to them, The worker is worthy of his SUPPORT ( trophes ) (Matthew 10:10). This word means, FOOD, NOURISHMENT (Thayer s Greek Lexicon, page 631). 4. The word, STRANGERS, ( xenous ) in this verse is also used in the judgment scene (Matthew 25:35, 38). I was a stranger, and you invited me in. 5. CONSIDER THIS QUOTE concerning Christian HOSPITALITY from the DIDACHE, a writing of the early SECOND CENTURY: Receive everyone coming in the name of the Lord. Later, by testing him, you will find out about him, where he deviates from the standard. If the one coming is just traveling through, help him as much as you can. He should not remain with you more than three days if that is necessary. 25

But if he desires to settle among you and has a trade, let him work for his bread. But if he has no trade, you should provide for him according to your own discretion. In no way should anyone live among you unemployed as a Christian. And if he is not willing to do this, he is making a trade of Christ. Beware of this kind of person. (Didache, Chapter 12). B. These travelling missionaries gave a REPORT and BORE WITNESS before the church, evidently where John the ELDER was living. They testified concerning the LOVE of GAIUS (III John 6). Perhaps, this REPORT was given to the church at EPHESUS where, it is believed, JOHN WAS RESIDING. 1. GAIUS had a very GOOD REPUTATION for showing HOSPITALITY to visiting missionaries! a. Study a form of the word for HOSPITALITY ( philoxenos ) found in Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; and I Peter 4:9. This word is a combination of TWO WORDS, FRIEND and STRANGER. Be a REAL FRIEND to STRANGERS! b. OBSERVE ALSO that ELDERS of the church are to be HOSPITABLE (I Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8). 2. NOTE ESPECIALLY that the LOVE ( agape ) of GAIUS was expressed BY WHAT HE DID! He put his LOVE INTO ACTION! Read I John 3:16-18. LOVE IN DEED AND TRUTH, NOT WITH THE TONGUE ONLY! 3. In III John 9, 10, John indicated that the CHURCH in the vicinity of GAIUS had been HINDERED from showing HOSPITALITY to travelling teachers by the opposition of a man named DIOTREPHES! 4. GAIUS would do well by SENDING THEM,, (the travelling teachers) ON THEIR WAY! a. This expression is the translation of the Greek word, propempein. b. This word means, Help on one s journey with food, money, by arranging for companions, means of travel, etc. (A. and G., page 716). c. It may be translated, SET THEM FORWARD ON THEIR WAY! Another translation is, SPEED THEM ON THEIR WAY! 26

5. NOTE SEVERAL OCCASIONS when this word is used in SCRIPTURE: A form of propempein is found in all of these Scriptures a. PAUL, BARNABAS, and OTHERS were SENT ON THEIR WAY! They were going to JERUSALEM (Acts 15:3) b. PAUL desired to be BROUGHT ON HIS WAY! He would be taking the contribution for NEEDY SAINTS to JERUSALEM. Perhaps, he would STAY WITH THE CORINTHIANS, or even SPEND the WINTER WITH THEM! (I Corinthians 16:6). c. PAUL encouraged the Corinthians to receive TIMOTHY, and then HELP HIM ON HIS WAY in peace (I Corinthians 16:11). d. AGAIN, PAUL desired that the church at CORINTH to SEND ME ON MY WAY to JUDEA (II Corinthians 1:16). e. PAUL wanted to be HELPED ON HIS JOURNEY to SPAIN by the church at ROME! (Romans 15:24). f. PAUL requested TITUS who was on Crete to Diligently HELP ZENAS and APOLLOS ON THEIR WAY SO THAT NOTHING IS LACKING FOR THEM (Titus 3:13). 6. NOTE this BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE of HOSPITALITY: Paul asked PHILEMON to prepare a GUEST ROOM for him. He hoped to VISIT his dear brother soon (Philemon 22). 7. CONSIDER that this HOSPITALITY toward travelling missionaries was to be done in a manner WORTHY OF GOD (III John 6). See this phrase also in I Thessalonians 2:12. This would be in a MANNER that befits God s service (Roberts, page 175). God has been GRACIOUS to us! We should be GRACIOUS to OTHERS! C. These TRAVELLING MISSIONARIES went out FOR THE SAKE OF THE LORD S NAME (III John 7). 1. The NAME would be that of JESUS CHRIST! a. There is SALVATION in NO OTHER NAME (Acts 4:11, 12). b. SAUL (PAUL) was to bear the NAME ( onoma ) of JESUS to 27

GENTILES, KINGS, and the nation of ISRAEL (Acts 9:15). All peoples must know WHO JESUS IS AND WHAT HE HAS DONE! c. People must BELIEVE in the NAME of God s SON (I John 3:23). d. Christians must HOLD FAST His NAME (Revelation 2:13). e. Disciples SUFFER SHAME in His NAME (Acts 5:41). 2. These TRAVELLING MISSIONARIES had taken NOTHING from the UNBELIEVING GENTILES! ( ethnikon ). This form of the word is also used for unbelieving Gentiles in Matthew 5:47; 6:7 and 18:17. (A. and G., page 217). Therefore, these TEACHERS went out, possibly from EPHESUS, relying on brothers in Christ to HELP THEM, NOT UNBELIEVING GENTILES. They possibly PREACHED to these Gentiles. D. These godly PREACHERS should be SUPPORTED (III John 8). 1. The word for SUPPORT ( hupolambanein ) means to receive as a guest, support (A. and G., page 853). 2. By HELPING these FAITHFUL PREACHERS, GAIUS was a FELLOW WORKER with the TRUTH! a. NOTE THE CONTRAST: By helping FALSE TEACHERS, a person would participate in his evil deeds (II John 11). b. The words, FELLOW WORKERS ( sunergoi ) were used OFTEN by the apostle PAUL (Philippians 2:25; Romans 16:3, 9, 21, etc.). This word means HELPER (A. and G., page 795). It literally means working with someone. c. OBSERVE that TIMOTHY was GOD S FELLOW WORKER (I Thessalonians 3:2). LET US ALL BE GOD S FELLOW WORKERS! 3. The CHURCH at PHILIPPI had FELLOWSHIP with PAUL in the gospel.. He was ASSISTED by them (Philippians 1:5; 4:15-18). Their HELP was an ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE, well-pleasing to God! Study also I Corinthians 9:1-18. 28

V. DIOTREPHES, a brother who was NOT HOSPITABLE, and NOT CO-OPERATIVE, was OPPOSED (III John 9, 10). A. John had WRITTEN to the CHURCH, but, DIOTREPHES had NOT ACCEPTED what John had said (III John 9). 1. Some writers think that John was saying, I WOULD HAVE WRITTEN. Probably, John HAD WRITTEN to the church in addition to this epistle to GAIUS. 2. However, DIOTREPHES, LOVED TO BE FIRST ( philoproteuon ) a. This Greek word means, wish to be first, like to be leader (A. and G., page 868). The King James Version says, Loveth to have the PREEMINENCE. b. Perhaps, the letter which John had written to the church where Diotrephes was living was emphasizing HOSPITALITY and ASSISTING PREACHERS. 3. DIOTREPHES was a SELF-SEEKING person (Roberts, page 177). 4. THIS QUESTION MIGHT BE ASKED: Was John s position as an apostle refused because DIOTREPHES was FOLLOWING the FALSE TEACHERS? Review I John 2:18-23; 4:2, 3; II John 7-11. THIS IS UNCERTAIN! B. The LACK of BROTHERLY CONDUCT in the actions of DIOTREPHES (III John 10). 1. John had a PLAN to visit GAIUS and the church where GAIUS lived. See III John 13, 14 and COMPARE II John 12. 2. If John came, he would CALL ATTENTION to the UNBROTHERLY CONDUCT of DIOTREPHES. 3. A DESCRIPTION is given of the WRONG CONDUCT of DIOTREPHES (III John 10). a. He was UNJUSTLY ACCUSING ( phluron ) John with WICKED WORDS. Perhaps, he was also unjustly accusing GAIUS! 29

b. This Greek word, sometimes translated, PRATING, means to bring unjustified charges against someone (A. and G., page 870). It can also mean to Talk nonsense (Bruce, page 153). c. Also, DIOTREPHES would NOT SHOW HOSPITALITY to the visiting PREACHERS evidently SENT OUT by the church where John lived, possibly EPHESUS. d. He also FORBADE other Christians to show HOSPITALITY to the visiting missionaries! e. Again, he PUT OUT OF THE CHURCH those who were welcoming these PREACHERS! This was an UNBIBLICAL type of DISCIPLINE exercised by one man. Study BIBLICAL CHURCH DISCIPLINE noted in I Corinthians 5:1-13; II Thessalonians 3:6, etc. 4. NOTE: It may be true that the epistle of III John is concerned with more than one HOUSE CHURCH, and that DIOTREPHES controlled one of them. 5. It is UNCERTAIN, as some may believe, that DIOTREPHES BEGAN the practice of ONE BISHOP (Elder) exercising authority over other ELDERS in a congregation. This practice WAS TAUGHT by IGNATIUS in the EARLY PART OF THE SECOND CENTURY! This unscriptural practice was eventually called the monarchical episcopate. VI. The ELDER S COMMENDATION of DEMETRIUS (III John 11, 12). A. NOTICE the GREAT DIFFERENCE, the GREAT CONTRAST in what John said concerning the TWO MEN, DIOTREPHES and DEMETRIUS! REVIEW III John 9, 10 and then READ III John 11, 12. B. John WARNED GAIUS NOT to IMITATE that which is EVIL, but rather what is GOOD (III John 11). 1. The word, IMITATE ( mimou ) means to follow or emulate (A. and G., page 523). 2. Christians are to IMITATE the FAITH of godly LEADERS (Hebrews 13:7). 3. We are to IMITATE GOD as beloved CHILDREN (Ephesians 5:1, 2). 30

4. The one who DOES GOOD is OF GOD. Review this phrase, OF GOD or FROM GOD in I John 3:10; 4:4, 6; 5:19. We must FOLLOW the actions of OUR FATHER, for we are HIS CHILDREN! 5. The one who DOES EVIL has NOT SEEN GOD, We SEE GOD NOW by observing the EXAMPLE OF CHRIST, and then BECOMING LIKE HIM (Read John 12:45 and 14:9). 6. DOING GOOD is the CONDUCT of a person who has a correct RELATIONSHIP with GOD (Roberts, page 179). C. The BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE of DEMETRIUS (III John 12). 1. EVERYONE gave a GOOD TESTIMONY concerning DEMETRIUS! 2. It is UNCERTAIN whether or not DEMETRIUS was one of the travelling missionaries. Did he deliver this epistle to GAIUS? That is possible. 3. There are THREE COMMENDATIONS of DEMETRIUS found in this verse. He was truly WALKING IN TRUTH (II John 1:4; III John 3, 4) (Roberts, pages 180, 181). a. EVERYONE gave testimony to the GOOD CHARACTER of Demetrius. He must have been a great example of SALT and LIGHT (Matthew 5:13-16). b. The TRUTH ITSELF bore testimony concerning DEMETRIUS. He LIVED and TAUGHT TRUTH! c. JOHN HIMSELF BORE WITNESS concerning DEMETRIUS and GAIUS knew that John s witness was TRUE! See also John s true witness in the Gospel of John 21:24. 4. CONSIDER other COMMENDATIONS in Scripture given by the apostle PAUL (Romans 16:1; Colossians 4:10). See also II Corinthians 3:1. VII. CONCLUSION to the epistle of THIRD JOHN (III John 13-15). A. John had MANY THINGS to say to GAIUS, but he did NOT want to use PEN AND INK (III John 13). See also II John 12. 1. VERY IMPORTANT MATTERS had been discussed in this epistle. 31

a. HOSPITALITY and the SUPPORT of PREACHERS had been discussed. b. The LACK of BROTHERLY LOVE and CONDUCT by DIOTREPHES had been discussed. c. The COMMENDATION of DEMETRIUS had been emphasized. 2. When JOHN VISITED GAIUS, OTHER MATTERS could be discussed. B. John hoped TO VISIT GAIUS in a short time (III John 14). At that time, they could speak FACE TO FACE. This phrase is LITERALLY, MOUTH TO MOUTH ( stoma pros stoma ). The same expression is found in II John 12. C. The GREETING of the FRIENDS (III John 15). 1. NOTE: The New American Standard Bible COMBINES III John 14 and 15 into ONE VERSE. 2. In this verse, John gave the HEBREW GREETING, PEACE be to you. Note this phrase also in I Peter 5:14. 3. After His RESURRECTION, when greeting His disciples, JESUS used the phrase PEACE BE WITH YOU (John 20:19, 21, 26). 4. John used the words, THE FRIENDS ( hoi philoi ) evidently to describe CHRISTIANS where HE WAS living, AND where GAIUS was located. a. JESUS stated the greatest LOVE is displayed by the one who lays down His life for His FRIENDS. He also described His disciples as FRIENDS who DO what He COMMANDS (John 15:13-15). b. In III John 15, the statement, Greet the friends by NAME would mean to greet them INDIVIDUALLY and PERSONALLY. REVIEW QUESTIONS ON THE INTRODUCTION AND TEXT OF THIRD JOHN 1. DISCUSS some of the SIMILARITIES in the THREE EPISTLES of John. 2. To what person was THIRD JOHN written? 3. NAME the persons who are found in the epistle of THIRD JOHN. 32

4. What are some MAJOR LESSONS in the epistle of THIRD JOHN? 5. Show a CONTRAST concerning the matter of HOSPITALITY in the epistles of SECOND and THIRD JOHN. 6. What was John s PRAYER for GAIUS? For what did John PRAY? 7. DISCUSS the meaning of SOUND or HEALTHY DOCTRINE. 8. For what did John COMMEND GAIUS in III John 3? 9. What was JOHN S GREATEST JOY? 10. What seems to be indicated by John s use of the term, CHILDREN or LITTLE CHILDREN? 11. To what would the word, TRUTH refer in the three epistles of John? TRUTH concerning WHAT? 12. For what was GAIUS COMMENDED in THIRD John 5-8? 13. Give the meaning and DISCUSS the Greek word, propempein as it is used In a number of Scriptures. 14. From what brother in Christ did PAUL REQUEST a GUEST ROOM? 15. The TRAVELLING PRACHERS accepted NOTHING from the unbelieving. 16. DISCUSS the meaning of FELLOW WORKERS in various Scriptures. 17. Who is the SELF-SEEKING person found in THIRD JOHN? 18. DISCUSS the EVIL THINGS which this brother did. 19. For what did John COMMEND DEMETRIUS? 20. What is the LITERAL MEANING of the words, FACE TO FACE in BOTH SECOND and THIRD JOHN? 21. Who are the FRIENDS in THIRD John 15? 33

BIBLIOGRAPHY Arndt, William F., and Gingrich, F. Wilbur. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament And Other Early Christian Literature. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1963. NOTE: The Arndt and Gingrich Lexicon is abbreviated in the text of this booklet as A. and G. Bruce, F. F.. The Epistles of John. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Reprinted, 1984. Ferguson, Everett. The Letters of John. Abilene, Texas: Biblical Research Press, 1984. Grayston, Kenneth. The Johannine Epistles. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.. 1984. Marshall, J. Howard. The Epistles of John. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1978. Roberts, J. W.. The Letters of John. Austin, Texas: R. B. Sweet Co., Inc., 1968. Thayer, Joseph H.. Thayer s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 2007 (Eighth Printing). Westcott, Brooke Foss. The Epistles of St. John. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, (New Introduction by F. F. Bruce 1966), 1883. 34