3 John

Though 3 John has 2 more verses than 2 John, it somehow seems shorter.  I struggle to find much meaning for me in this letter.

After a brief greeting the writer commends Gaius for his hospitality and his faithfulness in living his life in keeping with his faith.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to have people speak of your faithfulness to the truth? To be seen as the epitome of love and hospitality?  While I usually fail miserably, I will hear this as a call to continue to learn to grow in  "faithfulness to the truth" (v3).  This is a real challenge as day to day distractions arise that pull at time, energy, finances. I admire Gaius for continuing to remain faithful.

The second section names someone, Diotrephes, who did not acknowledge the writer's authority.  I guess here, again, we are warned against false teaching. I find it interesting that this person was preventing people from "welcoming the friends", and expelling people who want to do so (v10).  In light of modern controversy, who are the "friends" - then and now.  I assume then it was some travelling preachers, now ????  Could it be committed Christians from the LGBTQ community? Just wondering because they are the current "friends" who are often not welcome and whose inclusion can mean expulsion from the larger church body.

In general - I think this letter gives a tiny bit of insight into the age in which Paul lived - with itinerant preachers traveling around to support the churches, and other "charlatans" travelling around with different ideas trying to get them off track.  Even then there were people who tried to take over the church and run it their own way. This letter can inspire us to be more like Gaius and Demitrius and to watch out charismatic, powerful false teachers like Diotrephes.