Such a little book, but with such huge ramifications for us church community. Not only the church universal but for us as a congregation in setting and place in ministry in the 21st century.
Let’s see what John has to say to us.
Such a little book, but with such huge ramifications for us church community. Not only the church universal but for us as a congregation in setting and place in ministry in the 21st century.
Let’s see what John has to say to us.
Intro
V 1
3JN 1:1 The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Sounds pretty much like any introduction to a letter. From the Elder – John identifies himself as not just any presbyteros (Greek word for elder) but THE elder. Possible because he is the last of the disciples. Possibly because he is defending his leadership role. Paul uses similar tactics in 2 Corinthians where his apostleship is questioned by some of the Corinthian church.
Elder is an interesting concept. Very OT yet very greek. Both cultures respected wisdom and assumed it came with age (Although this is not a biblical understanding of wisdom). We will be looking at what an elder is and does in February and looking more closely at it from a constitutional perspective as directed by the last members meeting. Let me give an entrée to what we will find.
- Elder is a person in specific leadership.
- (It is not a gift but a role)
- It is perceived as authoritarian but is predominantly advisory in scripture. (Most eldership situations mentioned are overseeing the big picture not necessarily one on one)
- It is about truth and presentation of the truth, thus there is an inference of both knowledge and wisdom.
- It is one of the most divisive issues in churches today due to the gender issues assigned to it.
- The list of requirements for an elder are characteristics – not gifts.
From this we realize. John had a role to play, a certain responsible authority, lived the appropriate lifestyle, presented truth (In fact was a policeman of truth – is that apostolic or eldership??) displayed knowledge and wisdom, dealt with division issues.
John in some ways states his role in writing the letter from this introduction. He then states who to, Gaius, and gives him a level of credibility (Remember this letter was to be read aloud, probably others where present and John expected that.)
The next bit is really a section that praises the person that he writes to, again letting everyone listening of Gaius’ reputation with John. In rhetorical theory they call in an exordium – the author exalts the reader. Paul does it in all his letters. He finds something good to say about each person or group. John does it here but it is much more personal than most of Paul’s writings.
The assumption is that Gaius hasn’t been well.
3JN 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health
That life has been tough
and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
People have shared with John that Gaius is faithful. He has a good reputation as a Christian.
3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.
There is something special about John’s spiritual relationship with him. John himself had something to do with his conversion or early discipleship.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
I’d like that kind of thing said about me!!!!
But loo k at this next bit. 3JN 1:5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.Looking after people is a ministry actually:
- Hospitality is a ministry. V5-8 Caring for people in an appropriate manner is incredibly important and V 8 tells us to participate in this hospitality ministry.
Let me give you an example. I have some friends, Kevin and Roberta Hodgson, she is amazing at being hospitable. She and her husband started Christian singles in
- Gossips are wrong v9-11
Look at what Diotrephes does wrongi. doesn’t acknowledge authority ii. gossips iii. stops people coming to church ( Diotrephes – bad example)After this description is a verse saying don’t do what Diotrephes does. 3JN 1:11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
Now the flip side to that is Demetrious. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone–and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.
- Be a Demetrious v12 – Good testimony, (Demetrious – Good example)
This good example / bad example thing is a rhetorical tool often used to give guidance away from bad to the best possible way forward. When something bad is being warned about or rejected the author finds an example of what is correct. Here we see the message is Don’t be a Diotrephes but be a Demetrious.
It is kind of as if John says this is what you are to do now, and I am coming to give you the next set of instructions soon, oh and I will deal with the problems.
- Wait till I get there v13-14
3JN 1:13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.
Intro
V 1
3JN 1:1 The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Sounds pretty much like any introduction to a letter. From the Elder – John identifies himself as not just any presbyteros (Greek word for elder) but THE elder. Possible because he is the last of the disciples. Possibly because he is defending his leadership role. Paul uses similar tactics in 2 Corinthians where his apostleship is questioned by some of the Corinthian church.
Elder is an interesting concept. Very OT yet very greek. Both cultures respected wisdom and assumed it came with age (Although this is not a biblical understanding of wisdom). We will be looking at what an elder is and does in February and looking more closely at it from a constitutional perspective as directed by the last members meeting. Let me give an entrée to what we will find.
- Elder is a person in specific leadership.
- (It is not a gift but a role)
- It is perceived as authoritarian but is predominantly advisory in scripture. (Most eldership situations mentioned are overseeing the big picture not necessarily one on one)
- It is about truth and presentation of the truth, thus there is an inference of both knowledge and wisdom.
- It is one of the most divisive issues in churches today due to the gender issues assigned to it.
- The list of requirements for an elder are characteristics – not gifts.
From this we realize. John had a role to play, a certain responsible authority, lived the appropriate lifestyle, presented truth (In fact was a policeman of truth – is that apostolic or eldership??) displayed knowledge and wisdom, dealt with division issues.
John in some ways states his role in writing the letter from this introduction. He then states who to, Gaius, and gives him a level of credibility (Remember this letter was to be read aloud, probably others where present and John expected that.)
The next bit is really a section that praises the person that he writes to, again letting everyone listening of Gaius’ reputation with John. In rhetorical theory they call in an exordium – the author exalts the reader. Paul does it in all his letters. He finds something good to say about each person or group. John does it here but it is much more personal than most of Paul’s writings.
The assumption is that Gaius hasn’t been well.
3JN 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health
That life has been tough
and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
People have shared with John that Gaius is faithful. He has a good reputation as a Christian.
3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.
There is something special about John’s spiritual relationship with him. John himself had something to do with his conversion or early discipleship.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
I’d like that kind of thing said about me!!!!
But loo k at this next bit. 3JN 1:5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.Looking after people is a ministry actually:
- Hospitality is a ministry. V5-8 Caring for people in an appropriate manner is incredibly important and V 8 tells us to participate in this hospitality ministry.
Let me give you an example. I have some friends, Kevin and Roberta Hodgson, she is amazing at being hospitable. She and her husband started Christian singles in
- Gossips are wrong v9-11
Look at what Diotrephes does wrongi. doesn’t acknowledge authority ii. gossips iii. stops people coming to church ( Diotrephes – bad example)After this description is a verse saying don’t do what Diotrephes does. 3JN 1:11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
Now the flip side to that is Demetrious. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone–and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.
- Be a Demetrious v12 – Good testimony, (Demetrious – Good example)
This good example / bad example thing is a rhetorical tool often used to give guidance away from bad to the best possible way forward. When something bad is being warned about or rejected the author finds an example of what is correct. Here we see the message is Don’t be a Diotrephes but be a Demetrious.
It is kind of as if John says this is what you are to do now, and I am coming to give you the next set of instructions soon, oh and I will deal with the problems.
- Wait till I get there v13-14
3JN 1:13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.
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