Third John is a very short message with only one chapter and only 14 verses. The most famous verse that quoting and praying by almost all Christians is verse 2 which read:-
>>> (NKJV) 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 1:2)
Should we read the whole chapter, we would know that Third John is addressing an individual by the name of Gaius (3 John 1:1).
In addition, we would notice that the apostle John is making a commendation, comparing and contrasting the 3 men; namely:-
– Gaius
– Diotrephes and
– Demetrius
OUTLINE
The Olive Tree AMPC bible gives an outline of these people as below:
– Encouragement for Gaius (Verse 5–8)
– Reproof for Diotrephes ((Verse 9–10)
– Commendation for Demetrius (Verse 11–12)
In the epistle, John was rejoicing that Gaius was walking in true (verse 3). How did Gaius walk in truth then? Verses 5 to 8 tell us that Gaius was faithful in extending hospitality to traveling missionaries in Christ. It is important to support these missionaries, as it is a form of partnering in spreading the Truth of His word.
In contrast, Diotrephes, who loved to be first; loved to be in charge, not only never welcomed these traveling missionaries, but also stopped others from welcoming them. Worse still, he threw those people who showed hospitality, out of the church (Verse 9-10).
What does the next verse highlight?
>>> (NKJV) 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. (3 John 1:11)
From verse 11, apostle John, who proclaimed the love of Jesus, was saying that the conduct of Diotrephes was evil. The person who does evil, not only falsifies God but also doesn’t know God. That person is not from God. A very serious sentence, is it?
In verse 12, John concurred with the good work of Demetrius.
QUESTIONS
Christians need to ask these questions:-
– Will apostle John pray verse 2 for Diotrephes?
– Should ministers jump into praying verse 2 without reviewing the congregation’s conduct?
– Is Christian’s conduct important in the walk with Him?
It is obvious that John was praying for Gauis because his soul has prospered. (“Just as your soul prosper”) (verse 2).
A person consists of “Spirit, Soul, and Body”. Undeniably, verse 2 suggests that Gaius’ soul prospered before the body.
– The question is; how did Gaius’ soul prosper then?
Clearly, the context is saying Gaius’ conduct was good, not evil. Just imagine, should an individual’s conduct be evil, how can he ask for bodily prosperity or well-being? Yes, God can still heal a bad guy. But we are talking about it in the context of 3 John.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is good to consider these questions again.
– Will apostle John pray verse 2 for Diotrephes?
– Should ministers jump into praying verse 2 without reviewing the congregation’s conduct?
– Does an individual, with bad conduct, know God?
Absolutely, to spotlight on a verse or half a verse but ignore the whole context, is not the way of preaching. Anyway, the third John is only 14 verses. It is good to quote the bible in the context, then paraphrase in justifying an individual’s stand. John did not proclaim the love of Christ for him. He was sermonising about the conduct of individuals.
Read:
NO CONDEMNATION
WORTHY LIVING
1 JOHN 1:9
CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE
END TIMES:- THE BOOK OF LIFE OPENS
