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THE MESSAGE OF THIRD JOHN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
3 John 1-13
Psalm 133:1-3
 
“Behold, how good and how pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity!”
 
THE MESSAGE OF THIRD JOHN
 
Third John is a short letter written to a friend. John encouraged fellowship with Christian brothers. He expressed his love for Gaius and assured him of his prayers for his health. He also expressed his joy for Gaius persisting in the truth. They were good friends in sharing their worldly goods and also brothers in common faith. By supporting these men who were minsters of Christ, Gaius became a fellow helper in truth. John had the same zeal as Paul in missionary outreach; he did not have a place he called home. Originally he came from Galilee, ministered in Jerusalem and finally to distant lands. Gaius had hosted him in his house as he indicates in his letter. This disciple was also a supporter of missionaries who came to his church. The character of this brother was pleasing to the Apostle and he had all these good commendations of him. John was one of those who benefitted from the generosity of Gaius.
 
There is more about John’s ministry in extra-biblical history. In his later ministry, he served at Ephesus which was the chief city in the Roman province of Asia. It is also indicated that he commissioned a number of travelling teachers to spread the gospel and strengthen them in maturing the churches. These missionaries were supported by Christians who welcomed them to their homes. Gaius was one such host. Little is known about Gaius in terms of his background and family but much is known here about him as a servant of the Lord who demonstrated his love and received commendation of the Apostle.
 
Though John did not mention the name of Jesus Christ in this epistle directly, his use of the word “truth” referred to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also the expression, “for his name’s sake” in verse 7 was a reference to Christ. John has a message of Christ in this short letter.
 
THOUGHT: All who know the Lord are one in Him.
PRAYER: Lord, may I value the generosity of my brethren always.

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