Discovering Philemon, 2 John, 3 John and Jude
The Thin Books
3 John -- A Tale of Three Men
Gaius—the man to whom John wrote Diotrophes—an opponent of John Demetrius—another Church
Gaius – The Generous Man 1-8 Gaius of Macedonia a "companion in travel" of Paul (Acts 19:29) Gaius of Derbe accompanied Paul from Greece "as far as Asia," during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:4)
Gaius – The Generous Man 1-8 Gaius, the host of Paul when he wrote the Epistle to the Roman, and who joined in sending his salutations (Rom 16:23) Gaius, whom Paul baptized at Corinth (1 Cor 1:14)
Gaius – The Generous Man 1-8 Gaius to whom 3 Jn is addressed He has been identified by some with the Gaius mentioned in the Apostolical Constitutions (VII, 46), as having been appointed bishop of Pergamum1 by John.
Gaius – The Generous Man 1-8 Balanced man BE CAREFUL TO WALK IN TRUTH AND LOVE Faithful man Big-hearted man
LESSON #1 One of the signs of faithfulness in a believers life is the support of those who are being sent out with the work of the Gospel.
Diotrophes—A Divisive Man 9-11 Selfconsumed “loves to be first.” 9 Arrogantly Rebellious “will have nothing to do with us.” (9b). A Slanderer “gossiping maliciously” (10a)
Diotrophes—A Divisive Man 9-11 Ungracious “refuses to welcome the brothers.” (10b) An Abuser of power “stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.” (10c)
LESSON #2 True followers will not use their position or influence to push their own agendas.
Demetrius—A Reputable Man Good Reputation 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone.... Worthy of imitation 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good Demetrius
LESSON #3 We become like the people we follow.
3 John -- A Tale of Three Men
Supporting others in ministry is noble and honorable Leaders must guard against being self seeking. We become like the people we follow.