3 John 1

Gaius – someone who proved he was a believer

The elder to the dearly loved Gaius whom I love in the truth.

2 Dear friend, above everything I want you to prosper and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

1:2 Gaius was doing well in his inner spiritual life. But it seems he was facing difficulties in other matters, and these may have affected his health. No doubt John prayed for what he saw was Gaius’ real need.⚜

3 For I greatly rejoiced when the brethren came and testified about the truth that is in you, just as you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth.

5 Dear friend, you are doing faithfully whatever you do for the brethren, and for strangers. 6 They have testified before the church about your love. If you bring them forward on their journey in a godly way, you will do well; 7 because they went forth for his name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to receive such, so that we might be helpers together for the truth.

Diotrephes – someone who proved he was not a believer

9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, will not receive us. 10 So, if I come, I will remember the deeds which he does, chattering against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he does not receive the brethren himself, and forbids those who want to do so, and puts them out of the church.

11 Dear friend, do not follow what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

Demetrius – someone even the truth speaks well of

12 All men speak well of Demetrius, and the truth itself does also. Yes, and we also testify for him; and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write, but I will not write to you with ink and pen. 14 But I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. 15 Peace be to you Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.