Reading for November 30th

Read 3 John 1-15. In verse 1: The opening and closing mark this as a genuine letter. The elder (see 2 Jn 1) addresses the beloved (see 2, 5, 11; 1 jn 2.7; 3.2; 4.1, 7). Gaius was a common Roman name (see Acts 19.29; 20.4; Rom 16.3; 1 Cor 1.14). Just as the elder claimed to truly love the recipients of 2 John, he now affirms his genuine love for Gaius. In verse 2: Prayers for well-being of the recipients often follow the greeting. In verses 3-4: The elder notes reports of the faithfulnss of Gaius, to whom he refers as one of his children, probably a convert. Reference to walking in the truth (see 2 Jn 4) probably denotes the christological confession of faith. In verses 5-8: Supporters of the older reported the hospitality (see 2 Jn 10-11; Titus 3.13) shown by Gaius to the friends (literally brothers). Hospitality shown to the supporters of the elder is said to make those who gave it co-workers with the truth (compare 2 jn 11). In verses 9-10: The critque of Diotrephes signals a leadership struggle withthe elder. I have written something to the church is probbaly a reference to 1 John. He seems to have been a local leader with authority similar to that of the elder. Just as the elder counseled the refusal of hospitality to his opponents, so Diotrephes used his authority to enforce the refusal of hospitality to the supootrters of the elder, the firends. In verses 11-12: Whoever does good is from God (see 1 jn 2.29; 3.10; Mt 7.15-20). Demetrius seems to have been a supporter of the elder. Perhaps his credentials were challenged by Diotrephes and now the elder calls all supporters to his aid. Our testimony is true, see Jn 5.31-37; 19.15; 21.24. In verse 13-15 The closing, like that of 2 Jn 12-13 asserts the priority of a face-to-face meeting over a lengthy letter (compare 1 Cor 16.19-20). The greeting of peace, the Jewish greeting, sets 3 john apart from 1 and 2 John, as do the reciprocal greeting from friends (rather than children). Comments or Questions..