1. Quinn River Baptist Fellowship
Thank you for your interest in our web distributed notes from our weekly bible studies.
Some content had to be removed from these slides for copyright purposes, and thus the slides by themselves can be difficult to follow without the original animation sequences, and accompanying notes from the actual study, but we pray that you will still find them useful. You may send any questions to myself at and I will try and get answers back to you in a timely manner.
You may re-use these slides in your own bible studies, both personal and public, and arrangements can be made for accompanying notes and original slide presentations once copyright issues have been resolved.
May God bless your effort, and may you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Jerry Eyers

3. I, II, III John – The epistles of the apostle John
John was the brother of James (James “the greater”). He was the younger brother and youngest son of Zebedee and Salome and was born in Bethsaida. (Matthew 4:21, 10:2, Mark 1:19, 3:17, 10:35)
He and his brother worked the family business which was quite prosperous (Mark 1:20, Luke 5:3, John 19:27). In order to sell fish in Jerusalem, you had to have the blessing of the High Priest who would declare your fish “Kosher”. John’s father (Zebedee) was friends with the High Priest (Annas), and only Zebedee’s fish market was declared “Kosher”. Thus, Johns father had a monopoly on the local fish market in Jerusalem. As a result, most of the fishermen in the area worked for or with John’s father. Andrew and Simeon Peter knew and worked with James and John (Matthew 4:18, Mark 1:16)
James, John, Andrew, and Peter were well off, and had grown up in the best levitical schools around, and were thus well trained in Moses law, even though they were considered ‘simple’ fishermen. They all four had become interested in listening to John the Baptist, and John and Andrew were there the day John the Baptist introduced Jesus as “The Lamb of God” (John 1:37-42). They followed Jesus that day, then went back to their work fishing. After Jesus 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus goes back to the sea of Galilee and calls them to be his disciples. They leave the family business to the servants and hired managers and follow Jesus.

4. I, II, III John – The epistles of the apostle John
James, John, and Peter become the three of the inner circle, if you will, being taught and shown miracles the others weren't. Examples:?
Ex: Jairus’s Daughter (Mark 5:37), Transfiguration (Matt 17:1), Gethsemane (Matt 26:37), Olivet Discourse (Mark 13:3)
It is interesting that out of all the disciples, those three also become the foundations of the church more than the rest.
James = First leader of the Church in Jerusalem became the first Martyr in Acts, chapter 12
Peter = The apostle through which the door was opened to the Gentiles
John = The longest living apostle through which the book of Revelation was given, and provided correction to counter the growing apostasy in the church
Also, Peter and John were also the two disciples that God used to kick-start the church in Jerusalem after Pentecost.
Mar 3:17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:

5. I, II, III John – The epistles of the apostle John
John and Peter follow Jesus from a distance during the mock trials, and when the so called trials were moved into the house of the High Priest (which was illegal, btw), John had the leverage to follow and enter the High Priest’s House. In fact, he goes back and gets Peter and brings him.
As we follow John forward, we find that John was given the custodianship of Mary while at the cross by Jesus, rather than Jesus giving her care to any of his half brothers.
It was to Peter and John that Mary first conveyed the news of the resurrection, and it was Peter and John who ran to the tomb first (John outran Peter).
John apparently remained in Jerusalem among the leadership (Acts 15:6, Galatians 2:9), and did not accompany Peter on his first missionary journey that ended up in Jappa with the revealing of the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. He was also apparently not there (already arrested and on Patmos, maybe?) at the time of Paul’s last visit (Acts 21:15-40).
John retired to Ephesus, became the senior pastor there (when, we are not sure), and after Patmos, returned there to live out the rest of his life. These three letters were written in the later years of his life (after Patmos).
It was John who started the movement to collect the writings of the other apostles and Paul, and form them into a collection of Christian doctrine which we now call the “New Testament”.

6. I, II, III John – The epistles of the apostle John
At the time these letters were written, there was a traditional method of teaching that was prevalent in the early church. They didn’t have pastors, but there were traveling ‘teachers’ that would come to town and teach the local group of believers (who would meet in the houses of the local leaders). They would meet on Sunday since that was the day the Lord arose, and it didn’t conflict with the Jewish worship which they still attended.
These traveling teachers would show up and would teach for several weeks. These teachers were expected to (by the second day) have found a job to support themselves. They were not to ask the local body for support, nor were they to ask outside the church for support. If they were true teachers (doctrinally sound and followed the apostles guidelines for traveling teachers), then they were to be supported by the local body of believers. If not, they were to be sent on their way without so much as a ‘have a nice trip’.
- The Apostles Creed
- Didache
Didache: Didache kyriou dia ton dodeka apostolon ethesin
First mentioned by Eusebius (260 A.D.) who was working with Ephesus to collect the early church writings, Eusebius worked out of Palestine, and is known as the father of church history. The contents may be divided into three parts: the first is the "Two Ways", the Way of Life and the Way of Death; the second part deals with baptism, fasting, and communion; the third speaks of the ministry. Eusebius mentions that Peter, Paul, and John all reviewed this document to refine it and make sure it was complete.

7. Didache: Section 3, part 12
“Therefore whomever comes and teaches you all these things mentioned before, receive him: But if the teacher himself turns away and teaches a different teaching to destroy (all these things mentioned before), do not listen to him. But if (his teaching) is for the increase of righteousness and knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord.
Concerning the apostles and prophets, according to the ordinances of the gospel, in this way act.
Let every apostle coming to you be received as the Lord. Do not let him remain more than one day (without his own support); and if it is necessary, another. But if he stays three days, he is a false prophet.
When an apostle goes out from you, let him accept nothing but bread until he finds lodging. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. But not everyone who speaks in a spirit is a prophet, but only if he has the manner of the Lord. Therefore one's manner will distinguish the false prophet from the (true) prophet. And every prophet who orders a meal in a spirit will not eat from it, if he does otherwise, he is a false prophet. But every prophet who teaches the truth, if what he teaches he does not do, he is a false prophet.
But whomever says in a spirit: "Give me silver or some other thing", you shall not listen to him. But if concerning others who are in need he says to give (to them), no one should judge him.
But let every one that cometh in the name of the Lord be received; and then when ye have tested him ye shall know him, for ye shall have understanding on the right hand and on the left. If the comer is a traveler, assist him, so far as ye are able; but he shall not stay with you more than two or three days, if it be necessary.
But if he wishes to settle with you, being a craftsman, let him work for and eat his bread. But if he has no craft, according to your wisdom provide how he shall live as a Christian among you, but not in idleness. If he will not do this, he is trafficking upon Christ. Beware of such men.” (Didache 12)

8. Gnostic Teachings
Gnostic teaching had several main points around which they wrapped a wide variety of pagan ideas.
- The soul was perfect, without sin
- The flesh was what was sinful, not the soul
- Since the flesh is going to be destroyed and only the soul saved anyway, there is no problem indulging the flesh – have fun.
- The soul can influence the flesh, and build up ‘negative or positive marks’ against itself (Kiarus, where we get ‘karma’ from)
- The soul is actually a ‘piece’ of the ‘True Spirit’ and thus we must work to reunite ourselves with the ‘True Spirit’. This efforts is known as ‘yug’ and concentrated on controlling the flesh (where we get the term “yoga” from)
- Jesus was sent by the ‘True Spirit’ to help show man the way to reconnect with the ‘True Spirit’, but there are others you can connect with as well through séances, spiritism, etc.
- Since Jesus was without sin, he had to be without flesh; therefore Jesus was a spirit only (i.g. he didn’t leave footprints when he walked, etc.). As part of the ‘wheel of life’, Jesus supernaturally had offspring with Mary Magdalene in order to continue to provide guidance for man after he was gone.
- If you don’t succeed at first, the ‘True Spirit’ will give you another chance to get it right (reincarnation), this processes is described on the ‘Wheel of Life’ (which is where we get this term ‘the circle of life’ from)
- The ultimate goal is to reconnect with the ‘True Spirit’ and achieve perfection so that when you die, the ‘True Spirit’ will take you to be with him, out of the world; you have achieved ‘enlightenment’
Any of that sound familiar?? Buddha, Hindu, Wiccan, Druid, New Age

9. I, II, III John – The epistles of the apostle John
First John is a sermon, in written form, written by John and sent to an unknown body of believers. It will deal head-on with the doctrinal problems and heresies we have been looking at so far that were beginning to surface.
II John
Second John is a letter written to the ‘elect lady’. Most church commentators, for the last two thousand years, have assumed the ‘elect lady’ was the church. There is a problem with that assumption. The ‘elect lady’ has children, and a sister who also has children. The ‘elect lady’ is someone that all the churches show gratitude and respect to, and all the believers ‘know’ who she is. Who could that be?
III John
Third John is a letter written to Gaius, warning him about providing hospitality, gives an example of someone who doesn’t (Diotrephes), praises the conduct of Demetrius as an example, then tells Gaius to prepare for his arrival, and when he gets there, he will take care of Diotrephes himself.
We will take the epistles of John in ‘Inverse’ order. III John, then II John, then I John
III John is written to ‘Gaius’. Someone named Gaius shows up in Acts 19:29, Acts 20:4, Romans 16:23, and I Cor 1:14. We don’t know if this is the same Gaius here or not.

10. The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

11. III John
3Jn 1:1 The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
The term ‘elder’ is “presbuteros”, which indicates he was either an elder of age, or a term of office held in the church. The New Testament uses the terms ‘bishop, elders, and presbyters’ interchangeably.
3Jn 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Note the inversion: “I wish your physical health was as good as your spiritual health”
Physical health:
Nutrition, exercise, cleanliness, proper rest, and discipline of a balanced life.
Spiritual health:
Nourishment – The Word of God (Matt 4:4) – what digestion is to the body, meditation in God’s word is to the soul.
Exercise – Your Godly workout (I Timothy 4:6,7) – Gaius read it, meditated on it, delighted in it, and most importantly, practiced it.
Keeping clean – Avoiding the contamination of the world (2 Cor 7:1, 2 Peter 1:4, James 2:7)
Proper rest – Resting in the Lord and fellowshipping with Him (Matt 11:18-30,
Rev 2:4, I Peter 5:7)
That results in the discipline of a balanced spiritual life

12. 3Jn 1:3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
3Jn 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Evidentially, John is the one who led Gaius to the Lord. Further, Gaius has a reputation of putting ‘rubber to the road’, or putting ‘shoe leather’ to his talk (walking the talk).
We are admonished all through the scriptures to have that reputation (Psalm 1:1-3, Romans 2:13, James 1:22, etc.). True living comes from ‘living the truth’.
3Jn 1:5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
Practical ministry: deeds, not just words exemplify your faith (James 2:14-16, I John 3:16-18)
3Jn 1:6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
“After a godly sort” = Worthy of God, as befits God. We are never more ‘God-like’ than when we are sacrificing to serve others (agape love) (John 13:35); However, we will see a warning in 2 John about showing this hospitality to ‘false teachers’ to the extent that you will be considered a partaker of their deeds. The assumption (or reference) that John is making here is that the agape love/hospitality that is being shown is to fellow believers.

13. 3Jn 1:7 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
Never solicit any help from the unsaved! Abraham had this same policy (Gen 14:21-24)
Compare this attitude to the ‘spiritual racketeers’ you see on TV and radio today. What would John say about them? Probably the same thing Peter says about them in
2 Peter 2:1-3
3Jn 1:8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.
Hospitality was (and is) not only an opportunity, but an obligation. Those who receive spiritual blessings from the ministry of the Word ought to share material blessings
(Gal 6:6-10, I Cor 9:7-11). Not only hospitality, but any skill or attribute you have been blessed with (Acts 9:36-42)
A lot of people want to study the early church fathers to see how they dealt with situations. There is a danger in that. Were all the church fathers living a ‘rosy’ picture that we have been seeing of Gaius? We are going to see an example of just the opposite.

14. 3Jn 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
We have been mentioning hospitality. It was a key commitment in the early church. Peter and Paul both emphasis hospitality, and Paul admonishes two of his pastors (Timothy and Titus) both to show hospitality (I Peter 4:9, Romans 12:13, I Timothy 5:9-10, Titus 1:8)
John is going to bring five indictments:
1) He must occupy the leading place in the Church
2) He actually refused to receive the Apostle John
3) He made malicious statements against not only John, but all the disciples
4) He refused to extend hospitality to the missionaries
5) He excommunicated those who apposed him and did receive the missionaries
Know anybody like this??
Self-opinionated, self-exalting, self-sufficient, self-willed, self-satisfied, self-confident…
What’s the common theme?? Self! Read that as “in the flesh”.
Such a person (this includes Mrs. Diotrephes as well!!) can destroy a church. Preeminence is reserved for Jesus Christ himself! (Col 1:18, John 3:30, etc.). The Greek verb is in the present tense, active voice, which indicates that this was the constant attitude of Diotrephes to promote himself.

15. 3Jn 1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Prating with malicious words – Gossip! Not just gossip, but gossip about God’s servants. Just because you have a disagreement with a brother does not give you the right to disparage him. Matthew 18:15-20 deals with the proper response to a disagreement between brethren.
When some piece of gossip comes your way, about a brethren especially, do you repeat it to someone else? or do you say something like ‘oh, that’s nice’ then drop it and tell no one?
Contention is evidence of pride. (Prov 13:10)
There is a fatal disparity between rejecting a doctrinal point or false teaching, and rejecting a brethren of whom we may have a divergent view.
In the case of Diotrephes, this was evidence of:
- an insecurity – John was a threat to his station and he was not looking forward
to John’s visit;
- that Jesus was not preeminent in his life
He didn’t realize it, but he was flaunting his spiritual bankruptcy before everyone!
There are a lot of Diotrephes’ on the radio and TV today, unfortunately.

16. 3Jn 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
They that do evil today can include pulpits, authors, radio and TV commentators, etc.
We should also avoid those who doctrinal position is contrary to Scripture (Rom 16:17-19).
Again, there is a difference between the doctrinally foundational beliefs, and the minor additions. The foundational truths of the bible can not be compromised on. The other items we can agree to disagree agreeably, and still have fellowship (ex: what day you worship on; Rapture. Are you pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib, pre-wrath, post-wrath, pre-pre-trib, etc.)
This doesn’t mean we cooperate or fellowship only with those who interpret scripture precisely as we do. When we stand before the throne of God, how many groups of believers are there going to be?
One!
All of us have incorrect views on some part of scripture, I don’t care who you are. As long as we agree on the fundamentals, we can fellowship.
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

17. 3Jn 1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
You know better than to follow or support Diotrephes, and here instead is a good example to follow: Demetrius. He is worthy to be emulated. He is a role model.
We are encouraged to search out role models to hold up (keeping in mind everyone is human and prone to faults)
Php 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
( I Cor 11:11, etc.)
That’s why in our bulletin every Sunday is printed the ‘Apostle’s Creed’. These are the fundamentals. You agree with them, we can fellowship. That’s why we have a resource library and commentary sets.

18. Mail, E-Mail, Voice Mail…
3Jn 1:13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
… that includes , by the way. How many time have you written something in that you would never write to the person directly, or say to their face?
I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten in trouble by sitting down at the computer and firing off an inflammatory to someone dumping my personal opinion and my two cents, etc. without stopping to cool down and think about it first.
Mail, , Voice Mail…
If you can’t say it to their face, don’t say it!! - Can’t say it? Don’t send it.
3Jn 1:14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
Peace: Peace is the possession of adequate resources.
(George Morrison, former military strategist for the soviet union, now at Glasgow University in Scotland)
Our resources are in Jesus Christ!
Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

19. Things to take away from this letter:
1) If you know what is right, follow it!
2) Pick examples of righteous people in the area you are weak and follow their example
3) If someone is doctrinally wrong on the fundamentals, don’t follow them
4) Hospitality was critical to the early church, and should still be practiced today
5) All Christians need spiritual discernment
6) Be on the lookout for pride (Diotrephes)
7) Gossip is very wrong (Diotrephes prating with words)
If you receive some piece of information from someone about somebody else, don’t pass it on. Easier said then done. In the Christian community we fall prey to this without even thinking about it. Prayer chains can easily become gossip chains.
Lev 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people:
Pro 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Pro 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Pro 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Pro 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Pro 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

20. Next Week : II John “I Have Heard It Said…”
Last night my friend—he says he is my friend—
Came in and questioned me.
“I hear it said you have done this and that.
I come to ask are these things true?”
A glint was in his eye of small distrust.
His words were crisp and hot.
He measured me with anger,
and flung down a little heap of facts had come to him.
“I hear it said you have done this and that.”
Suppose I have? And are you not my friend?
And are you not my friend enough to say,
“If it were true, there would be reason in it.
And if I cannot know the how and why,
Still I can trust you, waiting for a word,
Or for no word, if no word ever come!”
Is friendship just a thing of afternoons,
Of pleasuring one’s friend and one’s dear self—
Greed for sedate approval of his pace,
Suspicion if he take one little turn
Upon the road, one flight into the air,
And has not sought you for your Yea or Nay!
No. Friendship is not so. I am my own.
And howsoever near my friend may draw
Unto my soul, there is a legend hung
Above a certain straight and narrow way
Says “Dear my friend, ye may not enter here!”
I would the time has come—as it has not—
When men shall rise and say, “He is my friend.
He has done this? And what is that to me!
Think you I have a check upon his head,
Or cast a guiding rein across his neck?
I am his friend. And for that cause I walk
Not overclose beside him, leaving still
Space for his silences, and space for mine.”
by Barbara Young