Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• In his third bible letter, John writes to Gaius.
• John lets Gaius know that he has heard great reports of how he is living his life with great faithfulness.
• We learn that Gaius extended hospitality to a man named Demetrius. However, Gaius received flack from his local church because someone named Diotrephes didn’t approve. We get the picture that Diotrephes likes to have control over the people in his church. John encourages the recipient of his letter to stay faithful in showing hospitality and not to imitate what is evil.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• In his previous letter (2 John), John cautioned a woman about inviting people into her home who were false teachers. In this letter, John tells his reader to continue being hospitable. The truth is that it can sometimes be difficult to know what to do, and what love requires of us. Give money to the homeless guy or not because he might spend it on alcohol? In those confusing situations, we should pray and seek wisdom from God as we seek to do the most loving thing in that moment.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• John told Gaius that he had heard great reports about how he was living out his faith, and also about Demetrius.What report would someone get about how you are living out your faith? Would they hear about your faithfulness, about your passion for God and love for others? Or would it be a report about your apathy or selfishness? What should you do about that?