“Introduction To Third John”

Wednesday, November 08, 2017

John’s third letter in the New Testament canon is one of the shortest books in the entire Bible, with a mere fifteen verses. The same Apostle who wrote four other inspired works of the New Testament composes it and just as he does in Second John, he refers to himself as “the elder”. A very early extra-biblical document records this terminology being used of the Apostles, most notably John. Eusebius quotes a man named Papias who lived at the same time as John as saying: ““If, then, any one came, who had been a follower of the elders, I questioned him in regard to the words of the elders, -- what Andrew or what Peter said, or what was said by Philip, or by Thomas, or by James, or by John, or by Matthew, or by any other of the disciples of the Lord, and what things Aristion and the presbyter John, the disciples of the Lord, say. For I did not think that what was to be gotten from the books would profit me as much as what came from the living and abiding voice.” (HE, 3.39).

While Second and Third John share several characteristics, there are also some differences. Second John was written to “the lady” (i.e. a local congregation in Asia Minor); Third John is addressed to a disciple named Gaius. In 2nd John, “many deceivers have gone out”, whereas in 3rd John, there was one troublemaker inside the church (Diotrephes). Second John warns against receiving some; 3rd John commends for receiving some. Further, Third John is a clear example of a letter between two individuals; 3rd John is written to a group of Christians (compare even Philemon).

Verses 5-6 of the letter have led many to wonder at the situation of the letter. It is possible this hints at persecution, especially if we take the view that these letters were written at the close of the first century AD. Trajan and Domitian were emperors during that time and they violently persecuted Christians. It is also possible though to understand the verses as simply referring to evangelistic activity without persecution being a present, widespread danger in the area.

Here is a brief outline of the short letter that will guide our daily readings:

Verses 1-4 – Prayer and rejoicing over good news
Verses 5-8 – Commendation of their generosity and hospitality
Verses 9-10 – Condemnation of Diotrephes
Verses 11-15 – Encouragement to continue in what is good and final salutations

Let’s plan on reading and discussing verses 1-4 for tomorrow!

May the Lord bless your day today!

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