3 John for Sunday, June 10, 2007

Translation:
(1) The elder to Gaius the beloved, who I love in truth. (2) Beloved, with regard to everything, I pray you prosper and be in good health, that it is going well with your soul. (3) I was very glad for the coming of brothers and bearing witness in your truth, that you walk in truth. (4) I have no greater joy than this, that I hear my children are walking in the truth.

(5) Beloved, you are acting faithfully when you work among the brothers and these strangers, (6) they bear witness to your love before the assembly, you will do well sending them forth in a manner worthy of God. (7) For, on behalf of the name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. (8) Therefore, we ought to support such [persons], in order that we may become fellow workers in the truth.

(9) I wrote something to the assembly, but Diotrephes, wishing to be first among them, did not welcome us. (10) On account of this, if I may go, I will remind him of the work which he does in evil words, talking nonsense about us and not being satisfied with this, he himself does not welcome the brothers and he hinders those who want to and casts [them] out from the assembly.

(11) Beloved, do not imitate the evil, but the good. Those who do good are from God. Those who do evil have not seen God. (12) Demetrius has been witnessed by all and by the truth itself, and we bear witness, and you have known that our witness is true.

(13) I had much to write to you, but I do not wish, through ink and pen, to write to you. (14) But, I hope to see you soon and we will talk face-to-face. (15) Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

The Third Letter of John is one of the shortest books of the Bible, but is certainly packed with lots for us to think about. The letter is informal in style, even by Greek standards, though it is clearly addressed to a church (likely meeting in a home, perhaps the home of Gaius). The language is steeped with theology, making it unlikely that this was intended to be a secular letter.

We cannot identify the writer except as "the elder," but we do know that he uses familial language to refer to his addressees. He calls the "children" and "Beloved," clearly terms of endearment. There is an intense focus on "witness" and "testimony" with particular focus on "truth." Roman society at this time was quite mobile. The advantage of this mobility was encouragement Christians could offer one another which gave a greater bond of affiliation, even if it was a loose bond. They were testifying "truth," or the truth of Jesus Christ (the Gospel).

The "elder" also speaks to the hospitality offered to these traveling Roman Christians. They have welcomed these "missionaries" into their community and probably even their homes. The writer seems to think this act of love and hospitality is nothing short of an act of faith. Moreover, these traveling Christians are not accepting any form of payment from Gentiles (non-believers) as this could compromise their credibility. Therefore, it is all the more important that they are supported by fellow Christians. To send these Christians out in a way worthy of God was to provide for their journey in every way possible: paying for expensive, giving them food, washing their clothes, aiding in a comfortable travel. Moreover, the "elder" makes the point that the real benefit goes to those who offer to support these traveling Christians, since they too become "fellow workers in the truth."

This is contrasted with Diotrephes, who is quite nearly the antithesis of everything Gaius and his community has offered. Diotrephes is always wanting to be first in the community, and does not accept the "elder" or traveling Christians. He treats them with contempt, spreading gossip about them, intentionally being inhospitable and even punishes those who want to be hospitable. We must remember that we hear all of this from the "elder's" view point and we know absolutely nothing about what might have brought on this conflict and Diotrephes' strong reaction. It certainly is counter to that of Gaius and his community, however.

The "elder" closes by endorsing Demetrius, who is likely the traveling Christian that Gaius is familiar with. Demetrius is trustworthy and has a good reputation with the "elder" and all who know him. Demetrius is not a threat and deserves hospitality, not the scorn Diotrephes offered.

The "elder" closes by saying that his thoughts are too many to disclose by letter and that he hopes to meet face-to-face, indicating that he hopes to visit sometime.

This brief letter is so informal and nearly colloquial that it reads like a letter from a friend. Indeed, the title "Beloved" has been variously translated to read "friend." There is a common bond between the sender and the addressee. They both know the Gospel message and know the Christian lifestyle. The "elder" can count on Gaius for hospitality and a warm welcome.

Many of us have friends like this even today where we can always count on a warm welcome even if it has been months and even years since our last contact. Just as Gaius and the "elder" lived at a distance from each other, and could only count on the infrequent visit and letter to keep in touch, so we also have friendships that must endure many miles and only occasional contact. Even so, these are bonds that can be trusted, have been tested and proven to be true. Where do these relationships exist for you?