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???3John
3 JOHN
PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*
UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
Salutation | Greeting to Gaius | Introduction | Address and Greetings | |
v. 1 | vv. 1-4 | v. 1 | v. 1a | vv. 1-4 |
v. 1b | ||||
vv. 2-4 | vv. 2-4 | vv. 2-4 | ||
Cooperation and Opposition | Commended for Generosity | Gaius Is Praised | ||
vv. 5-8 | vv. 5-8 | vv. 5-8 | vv. 5-8 | vv. 5-8 |
Diotrephes and Demetrius | Diotrephes and Demetrius | Beware of the Example of Diotrephes | ||
vv. 9-10 | vv. 9-12 | vv. 9-10 | vv. 9-10 | v. 9-11 |
vv. 11-12 | vv. 11-12 | v. 11 | Commendation of Demetrius | |
v. 12 | v. 12 | |||
Final Greetings | Farewell Greeting | Final Greetings | Epilogue | |
vv. 13-14 | vv. 13-14 | vv. 13-14 | vv. 13-14 | vv. 13-15 |
v. 15 | v. 15a | |||
v. 15b |
*Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions.
In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.
Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: Brief Definitions of Greek Grammatical Structure, Textual Criticism, and Glossary.
READING CYCLE TWO
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the entire biblical book at one sitting. Outline the main subjects and express the subject in a single sentence.
READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 3 John
INTRODUCTION
"Whosoever, therefore, cometh and teacheth 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 cometh to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain except one day; but if there be need, also the next; but if he remain three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goeth away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodgeth; but if he ask money, he is a false prophet" (p. 380).CHAPTER XII-RECEPTION OF CHRISTIANS
"But whosoever saith in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, ye shall not listen to him; but if he saith to you to give for other's sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
"But let every one that cometh in the name of the Lord be received, and afterward ye shall prove and know him; for ye shall have understanding right and left. If he who cometh is a wayfarer, assist him as far as ye are able; but he shall not remain with you, except for two or three days, if need be. But if he willeth to abide with you, being an artisan, let him work and eat; but if he hath no trade, according to your understanding see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he willeth not so to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that ye keep aloof from such" (p. 381).
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: VERSE 1
1The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
v. 1 "The elder" The term elder is synonymous with the term "pastor" and "bishop" (cf. Titus 1:5,7; Acts 20:17,28). See full note in 2 John 1:1.
SPECIAL TOPIC: Bishops/Overseers
▣ "the beloved" This title is characteristic of John's letters (cf. 1 John 2:7; 3:2,21; 4:1,7,11; 3 John vv. 1,2,5,11), but is not found as a title for believers in the Gospel or the Revelation. However, the Apostle John calls himself "the disciiple whom Jesus loved" (cf. John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20).
▣ "Gaius" There has been much discussion as to whether Gaius or Diotrephes is the pastor of this local church. It is hard to make any dogmatic statement from this slight amount of information which is available. Because of 3 John v. 9, where "the church" and "them" are mentioned, it is possible that Diotrephes was the leader of one house church and Gaius was the leader of another house church which was very close by, but this is pure speculation.
▣ "whom I love in truth" "Love" and "truth" are found together often in John's letters (cf. 2 John vv. 1,2,3,4; 3 John vv. 1,3,4,8,12). Truth can refer to
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: VERSES 2-4
2Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper
and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3For I was very glad when brethren came and testified
to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my
children walking in the truth.
v. 2 "Beloved" See note at 1 John 2:7 and SPECIAL TOPIC: Beloved.
▣ "I pray" This follows a typical Greek letter opening. It is a prayer/wish for the recipients' prosperity and health. It was a way to greet a loved one.
This verse cannot be used as a proof text for the "health, wealth gospel," so popular in modern America. See Gordon Fee's (a charismatic scholar) little booklet entitled, The Disease of the Health, Wealth Gospel. For my views on healing, please see my notes on James 5 online at www.freebiblecommentary.org.
▣ "you may prosper" This is a compound of "good" and "way," used twice in this verse. It could have several senses.
𗡏 "be in good health" Notice the next phrase that implies the term "health" refers to a spiritual soundness (cf. 1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13; Titus 2:2).
SPECIAL TOPIC: The Orthodoxy of the Pastorals
▣ "soul" This term "psuchē" (soul) is almost synonymous with "pneuma" (cf. Luke 1:46-47; see SPECIAL TOPIC: Spirit in the Bible). This is parallel to the Hebrew nephesh. They are used to refer to the essence of personhood or self. This does not refer to part of a person (body, soul, spirit). Humans are a unity (cf. Gen. 2:7). We are a soul; we do not have a soul. See note at 1 Thess. 5:23.
SPECIAL TOPIC: Body and Spirit
v. 3 "I was very glad" (cf. 2 John 4; Phil. 4:10).
▣ "came and testified" Both of these are PRESENT PARTICIPLES which imply that
Possibly John, an old man, could not travel easily, but he loved to hear the condition and growth of the churches.
▣ "walking in the truth" This phrase is theologically parallel to "walk in the light" (cf. 1 John 1:7). Christianity is not primarily a creed, a ritual, or an institution to be joined, but a life to be lived in relationship with Jesus Christ. The early church was first called "The Way" (cf. Acts 9:2, 19:9,23; 24:22). Truth is not only intellectual (content), but also a relationship (first with God through Christ resulting in love for one another).
SPECIAL TOPIC: The Path, The Way
v. 4 "my children" This is a common designation in John's letters (cf. 1 John 2:12,13,18,28; 3:7,18; 4:4; 5:21). The emphasis here is on (1) John's apostolic authority or (2) John's term of affection for the churches and Christians of the Roman Province of Asia Minor (western Turkey), where he spent his last days of ministry.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: VERSES 5-8
5Beloved, you are acting faithfully in
whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; 6and
they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy
of God. 7For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
8Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.
v. 5 "you are acting faithfully" These actions by Gaius are exactly opposite of Diotrephes' actions in 2 John vv. 9-10.
SPECIAL TOPIC: Faith, Believe, or Trust
▣ "in whatever you accomplish" This is a relative PRONOUN with ean and an AORIST MIDDLE SUBJUNCTIVE which expresses a condition with the prospect of being fulfilled. Gaius had helped traveling missionaries on every occasion and in every way possible.
▣ "especially when they are strangers" The church should have been welcoming and supporting these itinerant Christian missionaries ("strangers" has the DEFINITE ARTICLE), but because of the local situation, Gaius alone was helping these brethren of whom he knew nothing except that they also knew, served, and loved Jesus Christ.
v. 6 "they have testified to your love before the church" Obviously the early house churches in Ephesus had a missionary report time during their corporate worship.
SPECIAL TOPIC: Church (ekklēsia)
▣ "You will do well" This is a Greek idiom found in the Egyptian papyri (see Moulton and Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament) for "please" (cf. Acts 10:33).
▣ "to send them on their way" This is a technical idiom for equipping, praying for, and supplying the needs of traveling missionaries (cf. Acts 15:3; Rom. 15:24; 1 Cor. 16:6; 2 Cor. 1:16; Titus 3:13).
▣ "in a manner worthy of God" This means in a significant, loving, abundant way (cf. Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12). Believers are to treat gospel workers in a manner befitting who they serve (cf. 1 Thess. 5:12-13).
v. 7 | |
NASB, REB | "they went out" |
NKJV | "they went forth" |
NRSV | "they began their journey" |
TEV, NJB | "they set out" |
This very common VERB is used of
NASB | "for the sake of the Name" |
NKJV | "for His name's sake" |
NRSV | "for the sake of Christ" |
TEV | "in the service of Christ" |
NJB | "entirely for the sake of the name" |
This is an example of "the name" standing for the person and work of Jesus Christ. As believers
SPECIAL TOPIC: The Name of the Lord
SPECIAL TOPIC: The Name of YHWH
NASB | "accepting nothing from the Gentiles" |
NKJV | "taking nothing from the Gentiles" |
NRSV | "accepting no support from non-believers" |
TEV | "without accepting any help from unbelievers" |
NJB | "without depending on non-believers for anything" |
This phrase refers to these witnesses trusting God for His provision, much like Jesus' words to the Twelve in Matt. 10:5-15 and the Seventy in Luke 10:4-7.
This is the late first century use of "Gentiles" as an allusion to pagans or unbelievers (cf. Matt. 5:47; 1 Pet. 2:12; 4:3). Believers are to support gospel work! Who one helps reveals his heart.
In John's day many traveling teachers taught for money and reputation. God's teachers/preachers/evangelists were to be helped not for their words, but because of their Lord whose mission they were sacrificially involved in.
v. 8 "we ought" This is an oft repeated, moral admonition (cf. John 13:14; 19:7; 1 John 2:6; 3:16; 4:11). The term opheilō means literally to be in financial debt, but it came to be used figuratively to be obligated or to be indebted to someone.
▣ "to support such men" Hospitality was a crucial duty of the early church because of the deplorable moral conditions of most of the local inns (cf. Matt. 25:35; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:10; Titus 1:8; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9).
▣ "so that we may be fellow workers with the truth" As believers help missionaries, they are involved in their work of faith and truth. This is a gospel principle! The NT guidelines for Christian giving are found in 2 Corinthians 8-9.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: VERSES 9-10
9I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes,
who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10For this reason, if I come, I will
call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he
himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them
out of the church.
v. 9 "I wrote something to the church" This may refer to 1 or 2 John or to a lost letter; in all probability it refers to 2 John.
▣ "Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE. This is a compound term "love" (phileō) and "to hold first rank" (prōteuō). It is used only here in the NT, but the second term is used in Col. 1:18 of Christ's premier rank. This man is the first recorded "power-broker" or "church boss." We do not know if he was the pastor or simply a significant layman. However, this does show his motives. This kind of egotistical individual has been present in the church in every age! Whether he was also a Gnostic is uncertain and unstated, but possible.
▣ "does not accept what we say" Not only did Diotrephes reject John's Apostolic authority, but he was aggressively involved in rejecting Apostolic policy and even taking his vengeance out on those who would follow!
v. 10 "if" This is a THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which means potential action.
▣ "I will call attention to his deeds" John wants to clearly delineate this man's motives (cf. 3 John v. 9) and actions (cf. 3 John v. 10):
This man wants the attention and will not share the spotlight with anyone. He also removes anyone from the church who disagrees, or might disagree, with him.
▣ "puts them out of the church" This same strong VERB (ekballō) is
SPECIAL TOPIC: Excommunication
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: VERSES 11-12
11Beloved, 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.
12Demetrius 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.
v. 11 "do not imitate what is evil" This is a PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVE which often implies to stop an act in process. We get the English term "mimic" from this Greek word (mimeomai). We must carefully choose our role models. They ought to be mature Christian persons in the church (cf. 2 Thess. 3:7,9; Heb. 6:12; 13:7). Demetrius is a good example, Diotrephes is a bad example.
▣ "but what is good" "Good" in this context (i.e., v. 11) refers to the opposite of Dīŏtrēphēs' attitude and actions.
▣ "The one who does good is of God" John's letters have three tests by which one can know they are Christian. This refers to the obedience test (cf. 1 John 2:3-6,28-29; 3:4-10,22-24; 5:18; 2 John 6). There are also allusions to the other two tests:
▣ "the one who does evil has not seen God" The false teachers claimed to know God intimately but lived godless, self-centered, and loveless lives. This reflects the antinomian, libertine Gnostics who believed that salvation was an intellectual truth to be affirmed but had no relationship to daily life.
v. 12 "Demetrius has received good testimony" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE. This really seems to be a letter of recommendation from John to Gaius about the missionary Demetrius, who may have delivered 3 John to Gaius.
For other letters of recommendations in the NT, see Acts 18:27; Rom. 16:1; 1 Cor. 16:3; 2 Cor. 3: 1; 8:16-24; Col. 4:10.
SPECIAL TOPIC: Letters of Recommendation
▣ "and from truth itself" Truth is personified as another witness to Demetrius' good testimony.
▣ "you know that our testimony is true" John is asserting his own trustworthy witness to Christ (cf. John 19:35; 21:24; 1 John 1:1-3).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: VERSES 13-14
13I had many things to write to you, but I am not
willing to write them to you with pen and ink; 14but I hope to see you shortly, and we will
speak face to face.
v. 13 This is very similar to 2 John v. 12.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: VERSE 15
15Peace be to you. The friends greet you.
Greet the friends by name.
v. 15 "Peace be to you" This is obviously a reference to the Hebraic idiom shalom (cf. Luke 10:5). It can mean "hello" or "good-bye." It expresses not only the absence of problems but the presence of God's blessings. These were the resurrected Christ's first words to the disciples in the upper room (cf. John 20:19,21,26). Both Paul (cf. Eph. 6:23) and Peter (cf. 1 Pet. 5:14) used this as a closing prayer for God's people.
▣ "The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name" Christians greeting Christians! No names, please, in the written because of the persecution, but warm personal fellowship in private!
▣ "by name" This is an idiom for individually, personally, and warmly. It was used often in the Egyptian papyri.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
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