DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THREE MEN

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THREE MEN

"The elder, to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth." (III John 1)

This third epistle of John highlights three men in the church.

The first was Gaius, to whom the letter was written. John praises him as a man who was faithful – who faithfully did whatever he did for the brethren and for strangers (vs. 5). What a testimony of a man who had a big heart of hospitality. He ministered to both those in the church and those outside of the church. You could depend on Gaius. He was truly a blessing.

Another man whom John praised was Demetrius, who had a good reputation concerning the truth of the Gospel (vs. 12). He was solid in his faith. He was not easily moved from the truth. He provided strength and stability to the fellowship because of his firm conviction regarding the Lord Jesus.

The third man does not receive praise. His name was Diotrephes, and his reputation was that of one who loved to have the preeminence, speaking against the Apostle with prating words. Furthermore, he did not receive other believers, and put people out of the fellowship who did not agree with him (vs. 9-10). He was proud and abrasive. He thought he was the big cheese, and everyone ought to bow to him.

If we were to choose what kind of word was said about us, I would imagine we would want to hear the testimony about Gaius and Demetrius. And, dear Lord Jesus, please deliver us from people like Diotrephes.

Let us strive to be like Gaius and Demetrius.

Love, Dad