3 John 13 KJV [13] “I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:” Whenever I read this verse I’m curious about the phrase “many things”. John has written about many things in his epistles, but in this third and final epistle he tells us he has so much more to say. I would love to know what more was on the great apostle’s heart. What more did he have to write unto them? How much more detail or doctrine did he want to add? It definitely leaves us wondering, but it also …
“Having a Good Report”
3 John 12 KJV [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.” The brother in our verse was responsible for carrying and delivering this epistle. He had a good report with all of the churches, and is endorsed by the apostle John. The Bible does not give us a lot of information about Demetrius, but it gives us enough to have great respect for him. This man is forever recorded in the pages of God’s Word as having a good report with …
“Whom Will You Follow?”
3 John 11 KJV [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.” Today’s verse causes us to reflect back on what we have read thus far in this epistle. Diotrephes had done evil. Gaius had done good. We know that Gaius is of God because he loved and walked in the truth. Diotrephes had no vision of God. He is standing against everything that God is standing for. He is against the preacher, the brethren and anyone who does …
“Dealing with Diotrephes”
3 John 10 KJV [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.” The apostle makes it clear that if he is able to come, then he will deal with Diotrephes. He also put it in writing and sent it with Gaius for all to hear, in case he was unable to come. Either way John makes it clear that these types of members cannot rule in the …