Free Bible Commentary
“3 John 1:11-15”
Categories: Third John“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.”
For the last time, John addresses Gaius as “beloved.” His commendation of Gaius’ hospitality and love in the truth comprised verses 1-8. His resounding denunciation of Diotrephes’ practical hatred for the truth through his disobedience in falsehood made up verses 9-10. Now, he turns once more to Gaius and will introduce a third party named Demetrius.
John makes a terse, sweeping statement to Gaius after condemning Diotrephes’ actions. He tells Gaius, “do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” The concept of imitation is key to the Christian’s walk. Christians are commanded to imitate Christ and to imitate those who walk worthy of the calling of Christ (e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:7, 9; Hebrews 13:7; 1 John 2:6; 4:17). We are to walk in every way as He walked. Furthermore, we are to shun and abhor evil, a concept intimated throughout Scripture (e.g. Amos 5:15; Romans 12:9). Perhaps John has in mind the words of the psalmist as he connects his condemnation of Diotrephes to an exhortation for Gaius: “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.” (Proverbs 8:13) But what is good? Well, as we have already established throughout 1 and 2 John, doing good is obedience to God’s commands. No, not simply observance of the Ten Commandments given to Israel (one of those no longer applies anyways...); observance of all that God has stated in the new covenant for Christians is mandated. If we walk in truth, we hate evil and do good.
His brief exhortation is rounded out by the brilliant, luminescent example of Demetrius. Most view Demetrius as the letter-bearer. In this brief word, we have built within a letter of commendation for this worker for the Lord. Three witnesses unequivocally reinforce Demetrius’ character. The first is so general as to include “everyone.” This of course could simply mean everyone where John currently is, but the plain sense suggests more. The commendation is reminiscent of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 8:18 – “We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches”. Could this be the same brother? Perhaps, perhaps not. Demetrius, like Gaius, was a very common name in the Roman Empire. Several are mentioned biblically (e.g. Acts 19:23ff; cf. Demas in Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:10) and extra-biblically without any definitive connection to the one here mentioned. In conjunction to this witness we have the witness of the truth itself. This could be a reference to the truth in general or it could be a personal reference to Christ Himself, both are possible grammatically. Either way, what a powerful witness to one’s character! And on top of this, the testimony of the Apostle and those with him as well. This last witness is why many prefer the testimony of the first witness to be general in a broader sense than those John is currently with. On this last witness, John tacks on the further statement: “And you know that our testimony is true.” Recall that Diotrephes had slandered them with baseless words! John is reaffirming the trusting and loving relationship he shared with Gaius and with those in Asia Minor.
The last few verses of the epistle end in much the same vein as Second John. He desires to see Gaius and the brethren there face to face. He will need to rebuke Diotrephes and encourage and strengthen the brethren. Much damage was being done and John would be there soon to heal the wounds Diotrephes had inflicted. He ends with the expected expression of peace (How fitting with Diotrephes there!) and salutations. Uniquely though, he does not mention the brethren he is with by name or the brethren affiliated with Gaius by name. He simply refers to them as friends. And how fitting for the apostle of love to use the very terminology that Jesus used. It’s a last reminder that whoever does what Jesus commands is truly a friend (cf. John 15:13-14). May we prove ourselves friends of God by doing as He commands. One last point, and that is although there is anonymity in the letter’s salutations, there is a command and expectation to greet the brethren by name. John Stott on the very last page of his commentary on the Epistles of John comments: “Christians should not lose their individual identity and importance in the group. God surely means each local fellowship to be sufficiently small and closely knit for the minister and members to know each other by personally and be able to greet each other by name. The Good Shepherd calls His own sheep by name (Jn. X. 3); undershepherds and sheep should know each other by name also.”
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
-Eric Parker
