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Three Men of Third John

Delve into the background of Third John, exploring its three prominent characters: Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius. Understand the dynamics of a local church and draw valuable lessons applicable for today's church community.

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Three Men of Third John

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  1. Three Men of Third John

  2. Background to First John • What about the epistle? • A private letter to a member (c. A.D. 90) • A private letter giving us a glimpse of a local church • What about the three men? • Gaius is a common Roman name (Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14) • Diotrephes is mentioned only here • Demetrius is mentioned only here (Acts 19:24,38 ?) • What about the local church? • A local church with good and bad members • A local church with lessons for today

  3. Gaius: The Man Who Would Prosper • John prayed that Gaius would prosper both physically and spiritually (v. 2; Josh. 1:8; Psa. 1:3) • John rejoiced for Gaius walking in truth (vv. 3-4; 2 Jn. 2,4) • John commended Gaius for his hospitality and support of truthful teachers (vv. 5-8; Mt. 25:34ff; Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:6; 1 Tim. 3:2; 5:10; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 4:9)

  4. Diotrephes: The Man Who Would Be Preeminent • Self-promoter (v. 9; Mt. 20:27; Mk. 9:35; 10:44) • Insubordinate (v. 9; Lk. 7:30) • Slanderous (v. 10; 1 Tim. 5:13) • Vindictive (v. 10; Lk. 6:22)

  5. Demetrius: The Man Who Would Be A Pattern • A good report from the brethren (Acts 6:3) • A good report from the truth (Jn. 5:39; 15:26; 1 Jn. 5:7) • A good report from the Apostles (Jn. 19:35; 21:24)

  6. Three Lessons from Three Men • Members in a local church are often different (v. 9). Will you allow this to negatively affect your service or your salvation? • Members in a local church often imitate other members (v. 11). What example are we setting? Whose example are we imitating? • Members in a local church need to address problem members (vv. 1,9,13-14). Will you love “truth” enough to correct error?

  7. Three Lessons from Three Men • Are you prospering in what counts in the local church? • Are you seeking preeminence over others in the local church? • Are you setting a good example for all in the local church?

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