3 John 1:1-14

3 John 1:1-14

The sad side of the history of the church is portrayed here in this short letter. The core of this letter is found in Verses 9-10. John, responding to the situation in the church, begins by praising the noble Gaius for doing the right thing regarding the support of traveling evangelists. Gaius's faithfulness and commitment to the gospel are expressed in his willingness to aid those who serve as itinerant or traveling missionaries. Such courtesy is/was expected from the church, but Gaius went above and beyond. The verbs and verse 5 “acting faithfully” and “accomplished” literally mean “constructed” or “built” and “labor” or “hard work.” Gaius went far beyond even the generous norms of the early church to aid the missionaries. These were not friends, he knew, but strangers, people with whom his only connection was a gospel. Gaius was a hero in John's accounting.

But there was the problematic leader; Diotrephes. We could guess about his past, but it would only be a shot in the dark. What we do know is that Diotrephes refused to allow support for the mission teams and put out of the church those who did support them. His motivation is that he wants “to be first.” Pride always manifests itself in the desire for control. Most church splits are not in response to false doctrine, while that is often the excuse, but as a result of a power struggle. Diotrephes and his like will not fight fair, and there is no sordid tactic so vile they will not stoop to use it. They would rather destroy the church, if not literally, at least its ability to be a witness than to lose control.

John plans to come and have a confrontation with Diotrephes. Most churches die because there is no one who will confront the influence of evil leaders. And if there is someone, the majority of leaders are so afraid of the distress, and are so allergic to conflict, that they refuse to address the problem. They find it easier to go along to get along and then die. Those leaders who are unwilling to confront evil have much to dread and for which to answer in the judgment day to come. John reminds Gaius that he is not alone. A good leader in a bad situation may often feel that way. John concludes by referring to the promising character of Demetrius. When John arrives, there will be two locals and a third leader to confront the evil Diotrephes. Nothing less than the life of the church is at stake.

“Protect Your church by Your strength in godly leaders. AMEN”