John’s last Two Letters – 2 John, 3 John

John’s second epistle could be addressed to a particular woman, but the “elect lady” more likely refers to a particular congregation (the phrase “some of your children” could go either way, but more likely means many offspring of members there). He tells them that he has much to say that he would rather say face to face. But there seems to be some urgency in warning them of deceivers – false prophets – that are obviously much of a problem for the 1st century church.

His third epistle has John referring to himself as “the elder,” as he writes kind words for Gaius. John praises them for their good treatment of the brothers that came to them, and encourages their continued support. Here he speaks of false teachers again and mentions Diotrephes by name.

/Bob’s boy

Bible Reading Schedule for this month
Click links below to read or listen to audio of one of this week’s chapters in Colossians and Luke

1 John 5, 2 John, 3 John, Rev 1, Rev 2

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

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All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.

 

 

 

 

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The Friends Greet You – 3 John

English: St. Jean'ın mezarı, the Tomb of St. J...

English: St. Jean’ın mezarı, the Tomb of St. John the Apostle, in St. John’s Basilica, Ephesus, near modern day Selçuk, Turkey. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

John’s 3rd epistle consists of only one chapter and a total of 15 verses. He opens the letter by affectionately addressing someone named Gaius. Nothing at all is known about him. Most scholars believe that John wrote this letter from Ephesus sometime after 70 A.D.

John again calls himself “the elder” in this letter – an appropriate title for one who may be at the time the last remaining apostle. The purpose of the letter seems to be first to ask that Gaius and the brethren there extend the best welcome and send-off possible to the brethren accompanying Demetrius, who delivered the letter. The other main purpose appears to be to give Gaius encouragement and advice, and to let him know what he has been doing on behalf of the brethren.

He mentions one who is causing trouble in the church, Diotrephes, and encourages Gaius to take heart and not to allow himself or others to either imitate or to return evil with evil. “Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God,” he tells his friend and brother. John indicates he has more to say, but hopes to be there for a visit soon. He closes by referring to himself and the brethren as “the friends.”

Perhaps that is the most important lesson from this epistle. Our brethren in the church should be our best friends – the most important to us.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week

/Bob’s boy
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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.

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