1, 2, and 3 John
Lesson Eight

3rd John

Greeting

3Jn 1:1  The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 
3Jn 1:2  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 
3Jn 1:3  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 
3Jn 1:4  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

This is a Pastors heart, to see, and hear, that those he has ministered to are living for the Lord, prospering in physical and spiritual matters, and that they have not fallen away or been led astray.

Support and Opposition

3Jn 1:5  Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 
3Jn 1:6  Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

Gaius was well known for his generous giving to those who ministered in the Lord. Scripture tells us in numerous places, and in different ways, that we should give to those who minister to us (1 Cor. 9:14, 
1 Timothy 5:17, Ezekiel 44:30, 1 Cor. 9:11)

3Jn 1:7  Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

Because Gaius gave, the Evangelist did not have to ask anything of others who may not have been able to give.  This lesson would not have been possible to create, put online, and leave it there for years, so others can be blessed by it, except that others have given.

3Jn 1:8  We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

Sometimes a person may not be able to give money, but by helping others who can give, you become a fellowhelper with them.  Giving a helping hand, giving some food, being there in times of need, praying, and going with them to help are all ways you can become part of God's Word, even if  you don't have money to give.

3Jn 1:9  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 
3Jn 1:10  Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. 
3Jn 1:11  Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. 
3Jn 1:12  Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

Final Greetings

3Jn 1:13  I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 
3Jn 1:14  But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.