Third Epistle of John

(1)  The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
(2)  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
(3)  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
(4)  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
(5)  Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
(6)  Which 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:
(7)  Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
(8)  We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
(9)  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
(10)  Wherefore, 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.
(11)  Beloved, 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.
(12)  Demetrius 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.
(13)  I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
(14)  But 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.

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Study Questions

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1. What word in 2 John 1 and here leads us to believe the same author wrote both books? Verse 1.

2. Three friends of Paul were named Gaius. Is it possible to know if this Gaius was one of them? Verse 1.

3. What address of affection occurs four times in this epistle? Verse 2.

4. What two things does John wish (pray, American Standard Version) for Gaius? Verse 2.

5. What caused John’s great rejoicing? Verse 3.

6. The word for “greater” is said to be a comparative and a superlative (as “more better”). What was it that gave John such great joy? Verse 4.

7. Could the words, “my children,” indicate they were converts of John? Verse 4.

8. What was the faithful work that Gaius performed that caused John to praise him? Verse 5.

9. Do you think the “strangers” were: (1) alien sinners or (2) brethren - but unknown to Gaius? Verse 5.

10. Who bore witness to Gaius’ charity or acts of love? Verse 6.

11. Where was the commendation of Gaius made? Verse 6.

12. Do you know where John lived (according to tradition), hence, before what church they bore witness? Verse 6.

13. What do you think was meant by the phrase “bring forward on their journey” - evidently a custom of New Testament times? Verse 6. (See Romans 15:24 and Titus 3:13)

14. Why do you think John was pleased that they took “nothing of the Gentiles”? Verse 7.

15. Does the word “ought” connote an obligation to practice hospitality and support of those engaged in mission work? Verse 8.

16. Why did Diotrophes refuse to receive John (as an apostle) and his company? Verse 9.

17. What four things did John promise to remember if he came to the church where Diotrophes lived? Verse 10.

18. What do you think cause John to say what he did in verse 11?

19. What two things did John say about Demetrius? Verse 12.

20. Why didn’t John write to Gaius about the “many things” that were on his mind? Verse 13.

21. What was John’s favored form of communication? Verse 14.

22. Can you think of another in the New Testament who calls “his own sheep by name”? Verse 14.

23. Identify these people by name.
The dependable disciple: _______________________________________
The dominating official: ________________________________________
The excellent example: ________________________________________