1. Lesson 13 for the 26 th of September, 2009

2. “I appeal as a fellow-elder” (1 Peter, 5: 1)

4. John calls him “beloved” (v. 1) He was a true Christian (he walked in the light) (v. 3) He was praised by his brothers (v. 3, 6) He was converted by John (v. 4) He was a hospitable man (v. 5-7) He supported missionary work (v. 8) He was known in the apostle’s close circles (v. 15) John calls him “beloved” (v. 1) He was a true Christian (he walked in the light) (v. 3) He was praised by his brothers (v. 3, 6) He was converted by John (v. 4) He was a hospitable man (v. 5-7) He supported missionary work (v. 8) He was known in the apostle’s close circles (v. 15)

5. At that time, there were itinerant teachers who carried the truth from one church to another. They didn’t accept anything from pagans, and depended on willing brothers as Gaius (so they didn’t have to beg) Gaius helped those teachers who preached the true Gospel. He provided them accommodation, food, clothes, money and transport. When he helped missionaries, he was a missionary, too.

6.  He refused to read John’s previous letter (v. 9)  We wanted to have control in the Church (v. 9)  He didn’t accept John’s authority (v. 9)  He defamed John and his followers (v. 10)  He rejected the itinerant teachers who preached the true Gospel (v. 10)  He had enough authority to expel those who received the itinerant teachers from the church (v. 10)

7. Diotrephes had Gnostic influence, so he rejected everything that came from John. He didn’t want the power in the Church because of the good he could do (1 Timothy, 3: 1), but because of the authority he desired. John was going to that church to remove Diotrephes from his position and to place a more honourable brother in that position.

8. Demetrius was one of those itinerant teachers. He carried John’s letter to Gaius. It was his safe-conduct for that Church (his letter of introduction) John testifies that Demetrius was a faithful Christian and that he had good testimony of those who knew Demetrius. “Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone--and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true” (3 John, 12)

9. John shows Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius character and attitude to teach us something. John shows us a good example: To be hospitable. To support missionary work. To work in the Church because we love the truth.