DIOTREPHES and DEMETRIUS
3 John 9-15
Part 23 of the sermon series on the letters of John.
From the beginning of the letter, we see the heart of the Apostle. John writes as an elder who truly loves and cares for Gaius, a believer known for his faithfulness. John commends him because he walks in the truth, and his life shows it clearly. Gaius also practices hospitality, especially toward fellow believers who travel to serve the Lord. Even when they are strangers, he welcomes them. In the second part of the letter, John gives a warning. He tells Gaius who should not be imitated, and who should. The apostle mentions Diotrephes and Demetrius.
Diotrephes
John refers to his letter to the church, but Diotrephes does not acknowledge apostolic authority. He likes to put himself first. Unlike Gaius, Diotrephes also spoke against the apostle and did not welcome the traveling workers. Moreover, he removes people from the church who welcome the people from the apostle.
3 John 9-11, ESV: I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
John instructs Gaius not to follow what is evil but to imitate what is good. What is good is to welcome apostolic teaching and to welcome workers who teach such. What is evil is to speak against apostolic teaching. John implies that whoever, including Demetrius, has not seen God.
Demetrius
John commends Demetrius. Fellow believers spoke well of him in relation to the truth. The apostle confirms this testimony himself. John instructs Gaius to imitate what is good, and that is Demetrius.
3 John 12: Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
The good testimony is probably from the traveling workers. Yet John mentioned that it is also the truth itself that testified to the life of Demetrius. Demetrius lived the truth and supported those who proclaimed it.
Fellowship
John states that he has much to write, but prefers to talk face-to-face. The apostle desires fellowship with a fellow servant in the truth. He signs off with peace and delivers the greetings of his companions. John also asked Gaius to extend his greeting to everyone by name.
3 John 13-15: I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.
True believers seek fellowship with one another, and if they are far apart, they seek to greet each other. Even though far apart, they kept in touch through letters and messengers of the truth.
Application
1. Do not imitate those who reject apostolic authority, which is the NT. Instead, study the Scriptures, and welcome all who work for the proclamation of the gospel. We should also name those who self-promote against the truth.
2. We should imitate those who walk in the truth and all who welcome those who proclaim the truth. Moreover, let us live the truth that others may witness our lives and glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. Let us desire peace and fellowship with all who walk in the truth of God’s word. It is not enough to send messages or messengers; we should visit each other while we have strength. Some things are better spoken than written.
Poem
WORKING SIDE BY SIDE by Ed Pilapil Jr Apostolic authority Foundation for church unity They express the doctrines of Christ Apostles sacrificed their lives They proclaimed and went far and wide Sometimes, companions on the side At other times, they sent workers To teach and strengthen believers Infusing growth in believers Believers to become workers Traveling workers by our side Truth tellers who go far and wide Holy Scriptures lived through their lives They’re faithful to the risen Christ We’ll work with them in unity With Scripture as authority
Study Guide
1. How did John describe Diotrephes? What does the apostle plan to do?
2. Compare Demetrius with Gaius. In what ways are they similar? Compare yourself to them.
3. How did John end his letter to Gaius?
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