Three Men and an Elder
Were the earliest Christian communities perfect examples of harmony and unity, or did they face challenges similar to ours today? The small but powerful letter of 3 John gives us a fascinating glimpse into the early church through the stories of three very different men.
The Elder and His Letter
The letter begins simply: "The elder to my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth" (3 John 1). This introduction follows the pattern of ancient letters, starting with the writer, naming the recipient, and including a health prayer.
When John identifies himself as "the elder," he's not just claiming to be one elder among many. At this point in history, he was likely the only remaining apostle of the original twelve. He wasn't an elder—he was the elder, the last living connection to Jesus' earthly ministry.
Gaius: A Model to Follow
Gaius, the recipient of John's letter, demonstrates several qualities worth emulating. Let's examine what made him stand out:
Strong in Spirit
John writes, "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" (3 John 2). Gaius was spiritually prosperous. While many people invest heavily in physical health or financial prosperity, Gaius prioritized spiritual vitality.
If you were to ask the apostle John, the last living one of the twelve disciples, what is the most important area to prosper in, he would say, prosper in your spirit, prosper in your soul. Let prosperity of heart be the most essential thing in your life.
Faithful to the Truth
In a time when the New Testament was still being written and distributed, staying faithful to the truth was challenging. Different churches might have had access to different gospels or letters, making it easy to get sidetracked by false teaching.
God calls us to be faithful to the truth. We all still need to have God's Word in our hearts every day. Don't miss one.
Notable in Hospitality
John commends Gaius for his hospitality toward traveling ministers: "Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you" (3 John 5). In an era when inns were notoriously dirty, this hospitality was crucial for the spread of the gospel.
Diotrephes: A Warning Example
In stark contrast to Gaius stands Diotrephes, whom John severely criticizes: "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us" (3 John 9).
Here are five behaviors to avoid from Diotrephes:
He loves to be first - Seeking preeminence that belongs only to Christ
He's unwelcoming toward John - Rejecting apostolic authority
He spreads malicious gossip - Gossip is evil and it's also a community killer
He demands loyalty - Forbidding others from showing hospitality
He abuses his power - Putting people out of the church who disagree with him
Demetrius: Truth Embodied
Finally, John highlights Demetrius as a second positive example: "Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone and even by the truth itself" (3 John 12). What made Demetrius special?
He was above reproach
He lived in the truth so thoroughly that "the truth itself" testified about him
He was worth imitating as a model Christian
Today, we face a choice about which of these men we'll resemble:
Be like Gaius: Prioritize spiritual prosperity, remain faithful to God's truth, and practice generous hospitality.
Avoid being like Diotrephes: Guard against pride, welcome godly authority, speak words that build up rather than tear down, and use any influence you have to serve rather than control others.
Aspire to be like Demetrius: Live with such integrity that both people and truth itself testify to your character.
We get to make a choice. We get to make a choice of who we're going to be today. Choose wisely.
Reflection
In what areas of your life are you investing more in physical or material prosperity than in spiritual prosperity?
How are you demonstrating faithfulness to God's truth in your daily decisions and interactions?
When was the last time you practiced hospitality for someone serving in ministry?
Are there any ways you might be seeking to "be first" rather than giving Jesus preeminence in your life?
Application
Today, make a commitment to put spiritual prosperity first. Like Gaius, be strong in spirit by starting your day with God's Word before anything else. Choose to be hospitable to those serving the Kingdom, whether through prayer, financial support, or opening your home. Examine your heart for any tendencies to seek prominence rather than serving others. Remember, there are only two things on this earth that will last: people and God's word. Invest in what matters eternally.
Prayer
Dear God, I want to be like Gaius and Demetrius, not Diotrephes. Help me to be strong in spirit, faithful to your truth, and generous in hospitality. May your truth live in me so evidently that others can see it. Keep me from the temptation to put myself first instead of honoring you. Let me prosper in my soul above all other things. Give me the grace to support those who are serving you. In the name of Jesus, who deserves all preeminence, I pray. Amen.
