The Third Epistle of John was written in Ephesus about 90-110 AD, apparently by the same author or authors who wrote the Gospel of John and the other two epistles of John. This book summarizes what you have learned from the first two books, the Epistles of John and how to apply it to everyday life.

III John 1

 1The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. It is said that Gaius ran an inn to take care of those teaching God's Word. Helped those who taught the truth along the way. "A place to spend the night, have a good meal and glass of wine."

 2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. John praying that all is well with Gaius, and that his health is as healthy as his soul. Doing God's work they prospered spiritually as well as physically. (Tried their best to be in good physical shape, their was a lot of walking in those days).

 3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. Fulfilling the commandments of God and living by the standards of the Gospel.

 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. John could have heard of no greater joy than to see these children of God walk in the truth.

 5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers. Taking care of the traveling teachers and missionaries as they pass through. "Treating strangers as they would a brother." (Gaius was quite the host for travelers).

 6Which 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: They have told the church of your friendship and loving deeds toward the brethren. (Always sending them on their way with a generous gift).

 7Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. They did not become a burden to who they taught, they took care of themselves. (Never begging for money and no lavish living priests or pastors like in the churches today).

 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth. Help the fellow brethren when the Lord touch's your heart to give a little, then you become helpers with them in the Lord's work.

 9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Beware of "holier than thou" people. Those in bondage to a denominational church. Diotrephes did not want to admit that John had authority over him and would not listen to him.

 10Wherefore, 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. Saying wicked things against John and the other brethren. Refusing the missionary travelers himself and telling others to do the same. Self righteous hypocrites! Know any like that? There are a lot of them out there in the world.

 11Beloved, 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. Don't let this bad example influence you. If you are doing what is right, it is of God; if you are doing evil, you are not of God. False teachings and traditions of men are evil. "God's Word is good."

 12Demetrius 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. John and the others spoke highly of Demetrius because he was one who spoke the truth.

 13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: John had more to say but did not want to write it down. Why?

 14But 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. John wanted a one on one conversation with the brethren. When your face to face with people, you can get your message across more effective. It appears that John loved to fellowship with other believers. When you fellowship together, it makes the word more enjoyable to learn and share with one another. "If you are sharing truth in God's word and not just there to socialize."

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