3 John Introduction - KJV (King James Version)
Synopsis:
Third John supplements statements on Christian hospitality in 2 John. It applauds a Christian named Gaius for living out the teachings of the apostles-he had welcomed traveling Christian missionaries into his home-while condemning Diotrephes, a selfish church leader who not only refused to help these itinerant, godly teachers but also had slandered and opposed those who disagreed with him. This book demonstrates that pride can divide Christians if they are not living by God's Word. To avoid the dual dangers of false teaching and division within the church, believers should practice the dual virtues of love and discernment. The letter was probably written by the apostle John in the late first century a.d.
Authorship: John, the Apostle
- Identifies himself as “the Elder”
- 2nd John & 3rd John are very similar
- Acts 8:14 - John associated with “the apostles who were at Jerusalem”
- Gal 2:9 - Paul calls him a “pillar” of the Jerusalem church
- Irenaeus of Lyons, in the late 2nd AD quotes from 1st and 2nd John and names the Apostle John as the author of both.
Date of the Deuteronomy: 90-95 AD
Simple Outline:
1. Commendation of Gaius (3 Jn 1:1-8)
A. Servanthood (Ch 1:1-8)
3. Condemnation of Diotrephes (3 Jn 1:9-14)
A. Selfishness (Ch 1:9-14)
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