Page 25 - October 2026 - Truth & Tidings

• The shortest (word wise) of all the NT letters – 211 words (vs. 240 in 2 John)
• Seven mentions of truth in the epistle
Writer
John, the Elder

Recipient
Gaius, one of several in the NT (at least two and maybe four). Called “beloved”
(agapetos) in verses 1,2,5,11. As John’s “beloved son,” Gaius bears many resemblances
to God’s beloved Son.

Realm
Assembly life and the hospitality of men who moved amongst the assemblies
Reason
• Report he received (vv2-4)
• Response he did not receive (v9)

Roles Played
I. Gaius: The Devoted Man – Soul Prosperity – The Balanced Man
Notice that there is a balance between truth (vv3-4), love (vv5-6) and works (vv6-8).
A. Priority That Controlled His Choices – Spiritual things first
B. Principle That Controlled His Walk – Truth of God (vv3-4)
C. Practice Which Controlled His Life (vv5-8)
Doing worthily or worthy of God (v5) has several possible meanings:
• Doing it the way God would do it
• Doing it as though doing it to God
• Doing it for God’s pleasure
II. Diotrophes: The Dictatorial Man – Self Prominence – The Bold, Brazen, Bullying Man
A. Man Who Rivaled Christ for Position
B. Man Who Renounced John’s Apostolic Authority – malicious character attacks
C. Man Who Refused the Brethren – discriminate policies of reception
D. Man Who Rejected Others – unscriptural patterns of discipline
III. Demetrius: The Dependable Man – Spiritual Pattern – The Exemplary Man
• “good report” (v12; also vv3-4) by all – universal witness of time, place and person
• “truth itself” (v12) – uncompromising witness of the divine standard
• “we also bear record” (v12) – unassailable witness of the apostle
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