3. This emphasis by John, while striking, is not (vs. 11). John wanted his readers to experience true fellowship with God and with God’s people. The apostle's address to Caius, and his good wishes for his prosperity in body and soul, 3 John 1:1, 3 John 1:2.He commends him for his steadiness in the truth, and his general hospitality, especially to the itinerant evangelists, 3 John 1:3-8.Speaks of the bad conduct of Diotrephes; his abuse of his power in the Church; and his slander of the apostles, 3 John 1:9, 3 John 1:10. However, Diotrephes rejected the letter out of pride and discouraged anyone from accepting or accommodating any of the brethren of the church. John tells of a previous letter (that we do not have) that he sent to the church. But if anyone does sin, we have an … This love extends not only to God but to others as well. The aging This book is the shortest book in the New Testament and was written to praise Gaius and Demetrius for their faithful service. It is assumed in this study that the author is John, the beloved disciple of Jesus (Jhn 13:23; 19:26-27; 20:2; 21:7,20). 1Jn 2:12-14,19; 3:1; 5:13 make it clear that this letter was addressed to believers. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] The role of God as Creator is established in verse 3. John did not specify the recipients of this letter, but given his addresses in Revelation 2–3 to seven churches in the immediate vicinity of Ephesus—the city where John ministered late in his life—he likely had those same churches in mind for this letter. There has been some debate about whether an author named View Chuck Swindoll's chart of First John, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. In addition, the author clearly places himself as part of a group of apostolic eyewitnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus, noting that “what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also” (1 John 1:3). Brief Summary. 10–11). Yet God calls us to lives of increasing consistency, with the evidence of our inner transformation becoming more and more apparent as the months and years pass by. 2. While Paul wrote to specific congregations and individuals, Peter, James, John, and Jude wrote to broader audiences scattered across the Roman empire. John has already told us in 1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. This summary of the book of 3 John provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of 3 John. John encourages believers that Jesus was Jehovah God who had come in the flesh, that God is Light and he encourages Christians to walk in the light by keeping His commandments, and the main commandment was to love God and love one another. Next, He criticized a false teacher named Diotrephes. But the letter itself does not indicate who they were or where they lived. It is written by the Disciple/Apostle John around 85-95 A.D. probably from Ephesus. John’s next two letters, however, are written to specific audiences. He wrote that nothing gave him more joy than to see Christians walking in truth and acting faithfully, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. 1 John 2:1-2 Christ our Advocate. Fellowship with God is the essence of our faith, and Tony walks through 1, 2 & 3 John to paint a picture of love, obedience, and truth. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. It does not aid enemies of the gospel (vv. Your browser does not support JavaScript. The focus of 2 John is living in God’s love according to the truth of Jesus Christ. Bultmann cites Pauline usage as well (Rom 12:19; 2 Cor 7:1) to support his assertion that this was a common form of homiletical address in early Christianity. Commentary on 3 John 1:13,14 (Read 3 John 1:13,14) Here is the character of Demetrius. Thanks for the good work you do. Whatever the struggle—whether outside of us or inside—we often feel ourselves blown about by the winds of emotion or circumstances. Second and Third John, however, are written to specific audiences. The book of 3rd John is a General Epistle (Apostolic Letter). The fact that it mentions no one by name suggests it was a circular letter sent to Christians in a number of places. Painting of St. John the Evangelist by Reni - 1620. The tradition from the earliest days of the church has been that the apostle John is the author. a. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in … In doing so, they would solidify their relationship with God and gain confidence in His work in their lives. without love. It is written by the Disciple/Apostle John around 85-95 A.D. Background – Setting: 3 John is perhaps the most personal of John’s 3 epistles. John and Jude wrote their epistles at a time when apostasy was threatening the Church. In the third letter, John wrote to commend, encourage, and instruct his good friend Gaius. Also, 1 Jn. The epistle is traditionally held to have been composed by John the Evangelist, at Ephesus, when the writer was in advanced age. It is also wise; it does not “go on ahead” of biblical revelation (v. 9). In II John, the apostle, wrote to warn believers about false teachers. And that is what we are! Bible > Summary > 1 John 1 1 John Bible Book Summary. As he did in his gospel, John stated with clarity the purpose of his first letter. 4 all reference John™s readers as his filittle children.fl Such a fatherly concern points to John as an older man. We all go through ups and downs in our Christian faith. The epistle's content, language and conceptual style are very similar to the Gospel of John, 2 John, and 3 John. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that isin you, just as you walk in the truth. Discover more resources related to First John. While 1 John appear to be a general letter addressed to congregations scattered throughout Asia Minor, and 2 John was sent to a lady and her family (2 John 1), in 3 John, the apostle clearly names the sole recipient as “the beloved Gaius” (verse 1). While this is not a complete list, it reveals a letter that presents the world in an uncomplicated way—there is right and there is wrong, period. The grammar of 1 John 3:6 indicates that John is speaking of a settled, continued lifestyle of sin. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God” (vs. 11). Author. Similarities in style, vocabulary, and themes in both this epistle and the Gospel of John certainly offer internal evidence for this conclusion. John’s first epistle teaches that while it is important to recognize the lines between truth and error, it must always be done in a spirit of love. What does John 1:3 mean? The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God”. He wrote that nothing gave him more joy than to see Christians walking in truth and acting faithfully, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. The book of 3rd John is a General Epistle (Apostolic Letter). The key personalities in this book are the Apostle John, Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius. •    In verses 1-12, John praises two teachers for “walking in truth”. All rights reserved.Site by Ascendio, Insight's New Testament Handbook: A Practical Look at Each Book, Insight’s Handbook of New Testament Backgrounds: Key Customs from Each Book, God's Masterwork, Volume Seven: The Final Word—A Survey of Hebrews–Revelation, View Chuck Swindoll's chart of First John. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 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