Third John Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of Third John?

To define the roles of elders and deacons

To document the church's growth in numbers

To promote the importance of wealth in the church

To express satisfaction with Gaius and condemn Diotrephes (correct)

Who does Gaius represent in the context of Third John?

An adversary of the apostle John

An authoritative leader in the early church

A generous supporter of traveling missionaries (correct)

A false teacher opposing the Gospel

Which individual demonstrates arrogance and opposition in Third John?

Diotrephes (correct)

John

Gaius

Demetrius

What common characteristic is highlighted about Diotrephes in Third John?

He sought recognition and authority Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the intended audience of Third John?

A specific individual named Gaius Signup and view all the answers

What key verse is associated with Third John?

Third John 11 Signup and view all the answers

What was the historical context of the letters attributed to John?

They focused on the authority and behavior of church leaders Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant feature of Gaius's actions in Third John?

His hospitality towards Christian brethren Signup and view all the answers

What was Gaius commended for?

His faithfulness, love, and generosity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT one of the charges made against Diotrephes?

Refusing to receive teachings from Gaius Signup and view all the answers

How does Third John indirectly reference Jesus Christ?

Through the phrase 'they went forth for His name's sake' Signup and view all the answers

What action did John take regarding Diotrephes?

He censors Diotrephes for his behavior Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the relationship between Gaius and the apostles?

The apostles found joy in Gaius' actions Signup and view all the answers

Which figure does John commend in his letter aside from Gaius?

Demetrius Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary theme emphasized throughout Third John?

The importance of hospitality and support for missionaries Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about Diotrephes despite his orthodox beliefs?

His actions showed a lack of alignment with God's will Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Third John is a personal letter written by the apostle John to Gaius.
The letter reflects on the nature of Christian fellowship within the early church.
It highlights contrasts between two individuals: Gaius, who displays hospitality and generosity towards traveling missionaries, and Diotrephes, who exhibits arrogance and opposition, refusing to welcome the missionaries.

Author

Traditionally attributed to the apostle John.
The author identifies himself as an elder.

Date

Likely written around AD 90.
John's ministry was primarily based in Ephesus.

Key Word

Fellowship with brethren.

Key Verse

Third John 1:11

Statistics

1 chapter
15 verses

Occasion

The letter was written in response to reports from traveling missionaries who had encountered both positive and negative responses during their journeys.
Gaius welcomed them with open arms, while Diotrephes resisted their presence and John's authority.

Purpose

To commend Gaius for his hospitality and faithfulness.
To condemn Diotrephes' actions and attitudes.
To recommend Demetrius, a fellow missionary.
To announce John's intention to visit.

Gaius

Likely a different individual from the Gaius mentioned in Romans 16:23, Acts 19:29, or Acts 20:4-5.
Gaius embraced Christian hospitality and generosity, welcoming traveling missionaries.

Diotrephes

Opposed the practice of welcoming traveling missionaries.
Refused to acknowledge John's authority.
Spread malicious statements against the apostles.
Excommunicated those who did entertain the missionaries.

The Christ of Third John

While the name Jesus Christ is not explicitly mentioned, the phrase "for His names sake" indirectly references Christ (Third John 1:7).
The letter emphasizes the theme of "truth", which finds its source and embodiment in Jesus Christ.

Summary of Third John

John commends Gaius for his hospitality towards traveling missionaries, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who preach the gospel.
He condemns Diotrephes for his opposition to John's authority and his rejection of the missionaries.
The letter highlights the contrast between true fellowship and its absence, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual support within the Christian community.

Outline

Salutation (vv. 1-4)
John greets Gaius with affection and expresses his joy over his faithfulness.
Body of the Epistle (vv. 5-12)
Commendation of Gaius (vv. 5-8)
- John praises Gaius for his hospitality and encourages him to continue supporting missionaries.
Condemnation of Diotrephes (vv. 9-11)
John condemns Diotrephes for his arrogance, opposition to John's authority, and refusal to receive the missionaries.
Recommendation of Demetrius (v. 12)
John recommends Demetrius as a worthy brother and encourages Gaius to support him.
Farewell (vv. 13-14)
- John expresses his hopes of a personal visit and conveys his blessings.

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Description

Explore the themes and messages of the apostle John's letter to Gaius in Third John. This quiz delves into the contrasting behaviors of Gaius and Diotrephes, focusing on Christian fellowship within the early church. Test your understanding of the key concepts, verses, and historical context of this personal letter.