To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and[b] for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive[c] such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but[d] he who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face.
Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
3rd John wraps up these letters that GOD used John to give to those of his day and all of GOD's people down through the ages. These letters were meant to encourage the readers then and now.
A key word that shows up multiple times in this chapter is beloved. 4 times John calls Gaius beloved as he gives words of encouragement to him. What is his message?
The testimony given to him of Gaius was that he was known by the brethren to be a faithful man, one who walks in truth. Gaius took care of the body of believers by him and for strangers. This witness was a shining light to those who saw his testimony.
After words of praise of Gaius' character, words of exhortation are given to remain faithful and to not be swayed by false teachings. John exposes Diotrephes and his desire for fame instead of loving GOD more than himself. He testifies against Diotrephes poor character and lack of love for others. Gaius is warned against imitating those who do evil.
Another name that comes up is Demetrius. Like Gaius, his testimony is pure, and he is someone looked up to by others in the body for the right reasons. He holds to the truth and does not believe lies or seek glory for himself.
John has many things to share with Gaius, but desires to do so face to face. Regular, personal fellowship should be a goal for all followers of Christ. We are not meant to walk through this life alone, in isolation from the body if there is any other option.
Key Thoughts
1. When we are faithful GOD is glorified, the body of Christ is edified, and others have a godly example of what kinds of evil we are to flee from.
2. We are to do good to all, both the body and strangers we do not know, for GOD is glorified in this.
3. GOD will use His servants to at times name names of those we are not to follow because they lead GOD's children astray. A person's doctrine can be examined and if it does not match GOD's Word, it is false and should not be followed.
4. We are not to follow those that speak lies. They will often speak words close to the truth, but there will be small differences that are harder to detect. Only by being in GOD's word regularly and getting to know Him will we be able to see clearly the truth from the lie.
5. Regular fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ is very important for our personal, spiritual growth. It's goal is to edify, encourage, and at times exhort us so that we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.
