Lesson 13 for the 26th of September, 2009 POWER STRUGGLE Lesson 13 for the 26th of September, 2009

“I appeal as a fellow-elder” THE ELDER John could have commanded the church as an apostle, he preferred to introduce himself as “the elder”, following Peter’s example. “I appeal as a fellow-elder” (1 Peter, 5: 1)

THE ELDER If he had used his “authority” as the last apostle, he would have started a personal dictatorship in the Church, and others could use that example to impose their orders.  His words were an example; they mustn’t be interpreted as an imposed law to obey.

Gaius 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)

Gaius 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.

DIOTREPHES “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church” (3 John, 9-10) 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)

DIOTREPHES 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.

DEMETRIUS Demetrius was one of those itinerant teachers. “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) 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.

TEACHINGS IN 3 JOHN John shows Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius character and attitude to teach us something. “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God” (3 John, 11) John shows us a good example: To be hospitable. To support missionary work. To work in the Church because we love the truth.