Page 146 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

and warns him to steer clear of Diotrephes and his arrogant ways. He clearly loves Gaius and gains joy
from hearing that he is living out the truth (4). 200

We also see that 3 John connects intimacy with God to right actions. When people do evil, their claims
about knowing God lose all merit. A genuine relationship with God always bears the fruit of right
actions: loving others (1 John 4:7), remaining in Christ’s teachings (2 John 9), and doing good (3 John 11).
This means getting out of our comfort zone for the sake of God’s work. As John encourages us, we
should embrace the blessing of welcoming missionaries into our lives and homes; we must then
empower them to continue their efforts elsewhere (5–8). We confirm that we know God by our deeds:
love, hospitality, and walking in the truth. 201

How does 3 John Impact our lives?

What similarities do you find between yourself and the people named in 3 John?
John apparently is a mentor to Gaius (3 John 4). Whom do you look to for guidance? Who looks to you,
and what kind of model are you providing for them?

How can you open the most personal aspects of your life—home, food, money—to caring for strangers?
How do you identify “such people” who deserve your hospitality (3 John 8)?

Highlights: key passages
• Gaius’ Faithfulness (3-4)
• Gaius’ Hospitality (5-8)
• Condemnation of Diotrephes (9-10)
• Recommendation of Demetrius (11-12)

15.4 Let’s Practice…

1. Which Jhon wrote the letters of John?

2. Where was the author of the letters at the time of writing the letters of John?

3-4. Who were the recipients of the first letter of John and where were they?

5-6. Who were the recipients of the second letter of John and where were they?

7-8. Who were the recipients of the third letter of John and where were they?

9. Give a circumstance that led to the writing of 1 John?

10. Provide the circumstance that led to the writing of 2 John?

200 Barry, J. D., et al.
201 Ibid

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