John
Salutation
1 John the Beloved probably wrote the third general epistle of John in Ephesus in the AD90s. It addresses the reality of true and false ministers. Addressed to Gaius, a local church leader, it commends a disciple named Demetrius while also warning against the tactics of Diotrephes. The Holy Spirit provides sound instruction and sober exhortations for all believers in this epistle.The elder,To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, even as your soul is well.
3 For I greatly rejoiced when brothers came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.
Working Together
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and for strangers,
6 who have testified of your love before the church. You will do well to send them along on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
7 For His name’s sake they went out, receiving no help from the Gentiles.
8 Therefore we ought to receive such men, that we might be fellow workers for the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first among them, did not accept us.
10 Because of this, if I come, I will bring up what kinds of works he does: ranting against us with malicious words. Not content with that, he does not accept the brothers, and stops those who want to, and throws them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. Whoever does good is from God, but whoever does evil has not seen God.
Final Greetings
12 Demetrius receives good reports from everyone and from the truth itself. Yes, and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I would rather not write to you with pen and ink.
14 Instead, I hope to see you soon, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
