We conclude our study of John’s epistles with the final verses of 3 John. John wrote to Gaius, a man of integrity who loved the church and those outside of it.
The themes from 1 John reappear in 3 John, including walking in truth, living for God, and loving fellow Christians. In times of false teaching, loving one another is crucial.
Diotrephes vs. Gaius
We should accept true teachers as fellow workers for the truth. First-century evangelists visited various congregations. Paul, along with Timothy, Titus, and Silas, exemplified this. Paul sent them when he was busy. They delivered letters, checked on churches, and reinforced doctrine.
Paul told the Corinthians to expect Timothy (1 Corinthians 16:10-11). They were to welcome, listen to, and support him. This is how churches treated faithful men. Gaius exemplified this by receiving Christians with love and bidding them farewell with blessings. We should do the same. But as verse nine indicates, not everyone acted accordingly.
Diotrephes interfered with John
John wrote to the church; however, Diotrephes, seeking preeminence, rejected them. John intended to address Diotrephes’ malicious words and actions. Diotrephes dismissed John, his associates, and anyone in the church who supported them. Who was Diotrephes, and what gave him this authority?
Elders governed local churches. Following Acts 6:1-6, qualified men (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, 1 Peter 5) addressed the spiritual needs of the church. They taught doctrine and practiced it. They protected the church from false teachers. The terms elder, bishop, overseer, pastor, and shepherd were interchangeable.
Unfortunately, one elder was sometimes elevated above the rest. Bishops became head elders, then governed city churches and eventually regions. This was not God’s intent. Elders were meant to share authority. Diotrephes may have distorted the role of an elder. He sought preeminence, prioritizing himself, dominating, and lording his authority over others.
Sinning shepherds harm the church
Diotrephes’ ambition harmed the church. He may have been an early prototype of church bishops. We shouldn’t read too much into the text, but Diotrephes exceeded the authority of any member. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines the process for confronting sin: start with a private discussion, then include witnesses, and finally bring the matter before the church.
Paul instructed Timothy on handling sinning elders (1 Timothy 5:19-20), requiring two or three witnesses. If found guilty, the elder was to be rebuked. John would also rebuke Diotrephes, urging Gaius to avoid Diotrephes’ example and welcome faithful brethren instead.
Verse 11 says, “Beloved, do not imitate evil but good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” John contrasts right and wrong, quoting Jesus (John 3:20-21) regarding those who hate the light. John reiterates the light/dark theme (1 John 1:5-6, 2:4, 2:10).
Diotrephes’ actions do not reflect the behavior of someone who loves the truth. John exposes him and warns Gaius. John commends Demetrius, a man of good reputation. Demetrius was likely an itinerant evangelist who may have delivered the letter and supported Gaius against Diotrephes. Demetrius serves as an example to follow.
John concludes, hoping to visit soon, as some matters are better discussed face-to-face. He wishes Gaius peace and sends his greetings, reminding him to remember those on the Lord’s side.
