Reading for April 21st

 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 j=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 the well being of the recipient often follow the greetings. in verses 3-4: The elder notes reports of the faithfulness of Gaius, to who he refers as on 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 elder reported the hospitality (see 2 Jn 10-11; Titus 3.13) shows by Gaius too the friends (literally brothers). Hospitality shows 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 critique of Diotrephes signals a leadership struggle with the elder. I have written something to the church is probably a reference to 1 John. Diotrephes obviously rejected the teach of 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 supporters of the elder, the friends. 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 Jn5.31-37, 19.35; 21.24. In verses 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 greetings set 3 John apart  from 1 and 2 John, as do the reciprocal greeting from friends (rather than children). Comments or Questions..