The Greeting, vv. 1-4
A. From the Elder: Apostle John
1. Elder in years, the Apostle John was in his late 90s-early 100s.
2. Elder in the Faith, the Apostle John was a disciple of Jesus during His ministry.
B. To Gaius
1. “Prosper and be in health” was a common greeting as our “How are you?”
2. The Apostle was sending his best wishes and blessings to Gaius.
3. This is not a guarantee of perpetual wealth and perfect health for the Christian.
4. This expression can be paraphrased as “May you succeed physically as well as your spiritual life is successful.”
5. John sends this greeting because others told him of Gaius’ hospitality and love for the Word of God.
Good and Bad Examples in the Church
A. Gaius: A Good Example, vv. 5-8
1. The Apostle commended Gaius’ hospitality to Christian travelers and itinerant ministers, v. 5.
2. The Apostle instructs Gaius to be a “fellowhelper to the truth” by:
a. “bring forward on their journey” = providing food and lodging
b. “after a godly sort” = receive and help evangelists and missionaries financially
c. “taking nothing of the Gentiles” = Christian workers should not have to go begging to the lost for help.
B. Diotrephes: A Bad Example, vv. 9-11
1. Diotrephes wanted the notiriety of the Apostle.
2. The Apostle publicly named and rebuked Diotrephes:
a. he refused to acknowledge the leadership of the Apostle;
b. “prating,” he brought false charges against the Apostle;
c. he refused to help the brethren; and
d. he threw people out of the church who helped the brethren.
3. The Apostle admonishes the church not to imitate this evil example, but the good example.
C. Demetrius: A Good Example, vv. 12
1. The Apostle recommends Demetrius to Gaius as a faithful Christian worker.
2. Demetrius’ life is a good example of the truth itself.
The Closing, vv. 13-14
A. The Apostle will meet with Gaius face-to-face shortly.
B. The Apostle sends a blessing a peace in a difficult time.
C. The Apostle assures Gaius they are friends in Christ.
Lessons from 3 John
A. Identify Church Bosses and stay away from them.
B. Evangelists and missionaries are worthy of our spiritual and financial support.
C. Evangelists and missionaries should have letters of recommendation from trusted sources.