3rd John 12 THE THIRD MAN Letters of commendation often have contained in them words of encouragement and instruction as well as information regarding the work in which one has been engaged. Character traits are sometimes included to give a well-rounded recommendation of a person. Phoebe was a servant of the church in that she helped many. The commendation Barnabas made concerning Paul included his testimony of salvation and his fellowship with believers since that time. Commendation of Demetrius to the assembly Gaius was a part of may not have been the reason John wrote this letter, but it clearly is a commendation of him as a person. It s14 was important that the man who opened his home to "the brethren and to strangers" would have reason to show hospitality to Demetrius.
Gaius was a prosperous Christian as far as his spiritual life was concerned. Diotrephes was a proud "Christian," although he may have been a Christian in name only. Demetrius was a pleasant Christian who had a good report of all. He seemed to be one whose life was tested by the truth of the word of God and he obviously passed that test. People can follow a person like that. Their reputation is that of those who actually live what they teach. The truth they live out is a witness in itself to their character and genuine faith.
There is hardly any higher recommendation a person can have than to personify the truth. Our Lord Jesus is "The Truth" so He certainly puts truth into personhood. What He said and did were consistent with each other. It is of great worth to have "the truth itself" testify on behalf of a person. Not only is there a general observation of the integrity and spirituality of a person that established one as trustworthy, but when a well- known person like John adds his recommendation, that person can be received gladly.
To speak on behalf of others is a very responsible activity. We should not pass on lightweight generalizations when we recommend a person to a place or a position of responsibility. Any time we are asked to write a letter that will be used as a character reference, we should be as precise as possible. John reported on Demetrius' reputation as one who was known for the truth he taught and practiced. When we make a character reference regarding another person, both their reputation and our own are at stake. John could write of the good opinion Demetrius had of all men, of the truth, of the apostle and of other Christians.
In a community, a church and a family, the testimony of a person can have a far-reaching effect. Demetrius had a good report among the Lord's people and the unsaved people who knew him. It is important for us to maintain our integrity both in spiritual things and secular life at home. Our children and grandchildren who may not be saved may find themselves in the "valley of decision" because of conviction of sin before God. The reality of our testimony as a child of God, may be the reason they want God's salvation in the first place. Neighbors, fellow workers and casual acquaintances all watch for evidence of a consistent Christian testimony to the truth.
Our life in the assembly of the Lord's people gathered to His name also is a representation of how we respond to the truth of God. A casual, careless commitment to the assembly meetings and objectives is a poor testimony to one's own truth-life. A take-it-or-leave-it attitude toward the house of God, is indicative of a careless attitude toward God and His truth.
Living life by the word of God under the guidance and teaching of the Holy Spirit is how the truth itself bears witness to our character. Truth written and spoken has a way of being demonstrated in the life of one who "lives godly in Christ Jesus." Consistent living, careful and wise speaking, acts of grace and kindness all bear witness to the reality of a living faith in a child of God by which we live.
When a well-known man like John adds his personal witness based on his personal knowledge of another person like Demetrius, we can be thankful for that "true record." The judgment of a wise person is not to be taken lightly for any reason. All of the reports: of "all men," of "the truth," and of John, gave Gaius the assurance he would need concerning Demetrius. Acceptable commendations we receive concerning others preserves us from the dangers of falsehood. "Lay hands suddenly on no man" is not a concern in this case because of the testimony of others who we trust.
"A word to the wise" is a phrase we hear, that gives us reason to pause. A word from one trusted, a letter one bears, is full and sufficient cause To reach out in kindness to one unknown, that we Christ-like love can show. Hospitality and interest shown, is because of words from those we know.
To hear one speak, to see one's life, is a testimony, as to what they believe. When consistent with the truth this sheds some light, when a stranger we do receive. Faith and truth go together and when in a person combined, this establishes one's reputation. So, we can extend to them our hospitality; without fear we give a sincere invitation.
People of good report bring blessings along, we help them, and they us, on the way. They need our support so in their work they remain strong; we learn from them what they say. Truth and grace also go well together, our Lord Jesus brought both when He came. Now we can show grace and the visitor gives truth; like our Lord, we can do the same.
s15 Who knows what the ends of a new friendship will bring, perhaps it will last all our life. God's word given in truth and its context correct, can serve like a two-edged knife. When kindred spirits are found and grace does abound, blessings "flow over the wall." How little the cost yet how much would have been lost if we had not answered their call.
"Father of traveling saints and those at home: it still amazes me at the blessings we experience when Thou dost guide us to homes where we have never been before and yet they have showed us hospitality, Thank You for moving Thy dear people to receive us and welcome us. May we always have something from Thee to give to them in Thy name. Amen."
3rd John 13-14 PEACE When there are difficult circumstances in an assembly of God's people, it usually takes some time to get things sorted out and come to a reasonable and scriptural solution. Gaius and Diotrephes obviously had very different views of receiving people and of leadership principles. Demetrius was a peace-loving man who had the same balanced and kind ways as did Gaius. During times of assembly unrest, some people even dread coming to the meetings of the church for fear of what an officious, domineering and arrogant man might say or do.
To address the whole problem area with "ink and pen" is very limiting and the time it takes between two parties to communicate and come to a conclusion does not make for a real solution. It is more a way to show interest and fellowship. To deal with a false teacher effectively, or even to give real support to those who are faithful to the Lord, needs a face-to-face meeting where two can speak mouth-to-mouth with each other. This brief letter was to let Gaius know that John supported him and Demetrius, and to assure them that he appreciated them and their commitment in times of difficulty.
Times of stress, disappointment, sickness and trouble, call for our expressions of interest in others in whatever way we can. If we are at a distance, a letter or email, a text message or a phone call are ways in which we can communicate our concern and fellowship. As good as these are, they do not take the place of a handshake, a touch on the shoulder, the expressions on one's face and words spoken to encourage, comfort, correct or exhort. The physical presence of a caring person has a way of lending more weight to the same words that are spoken as were written. The benefit of written words is that they can be read and reviewed over and over again and they say exactly the same thing each time. Spoken words have the added benefit of tone of voice, body language and facial expressions to give greater emphasis and power to what is said.
The letter from John would have given a measure of peace to the hospitable, kind and generous Gaius. He likely would have shared the message with Demetrius who had the confidence of the Lord's people and could be counted on to teach and practice that which is scriptural. The experience and authority of John was needed to deal effectively with Diotrephes. Even receiving this short letter would lift the spirits of those burdened down by the self-proclaimed leadership of one who knows nothing of valuing that which God values. The evidence of "love for the brethren" was missing from this man who was "doing evil."
When we sense a need in those who are at a distance from us, it is incumbent on us to encourage them to "keep on keeping on." Friendship has that kind of interest. Gaius would have been strengthened to continue practicing hospitality in spite of what Diotrephes was doing. Demetrius and Gaius both would still commit themselves to practicing truth and doing what was right, even though "malicious words," evil deeds, "forbidding" and "casting out" were practiced by one man. One man does not have the right nor the authority from the Lord to dictate the teaching and practices of an assembly.
How good it is to have friends. Faith, feelings and friendship are closely linked. To have faith in a person means I trust that person. There is evidence to believe he/she is trustworthy and we make the moral judgment to take that person into our confidence. Our feelings do influence our decisions and they do influence others. In order to have the support of others we should be pleasant, real, careful and warm in our attitudes, actions and words. Friendship involves loyalty, acceptance, commitment and being available to another person at our own expense.
John exhibited genuine friendship by writing this brief note to a brother who was under the pressure of a false teacher and leader seeking to control the whole assembly. By taking the time to do this before coming in person when he could, indicated his intimacy and affection in the same way the Lord Jesus Christ showed His disciples His friendship shortly before His death. A friend is one whose need I can meet, not just the one s16 who meets my need. A friend encourages his friend in God. A friend is someone who is committed to helping his friend realize God's purpose and potential for his life. In true friendship there is a declared loyalty and commitment. David and Jonathan had that kind of friendship. The Lord Jesus stated that kind of friendship when He told His disciples that from now on, He called them friends.
John concludes this epistle with a hopeful note of his intention to come and be with them. He makes peace a real thing to be experienced even in the midst of conflict. He indicates there were believers where he was who considered Gaius to be their friend, and he reminded Gaius that he had friends where Gaius lived. The family of God is a remarkable work of grace among very divergent people. We become friends with those of different nationalities, cultures and races simply because we share the common blessing of the new birth, new creation, new nature and new life in Christ. These are comforting and strengthening reminders of some of the blessings we have because of our life in Christ.
The time seemed long as the days passed by. We missed them and our personal conversations. With letters and phone calls at times I did try To establish significant communication. As valuable as they were, they did not meet The need of the present distress - But when I saw him and could personally greet That special friend - why, that was the very best.
It was best because I could see before me his facial expression. In that way I knew he could understand - It was there to be seen - he had real sincere compassion. I could feel it personally in the pressure of his hand - He didn't have to say a lot to communicate - His body language, the tilt of his head and his eyes - All did eloquently and visibly state - He knew; he cared - that friendship I greatly prize.
In those hard times when we wonder what is next, We need a friend with whom we can share the load. Especially when there are those who deliberately vex - Trying to force us to walk on another road. That is when a friend with a Bible in hand Is so valuable to help bring a conclusion To the troublesome problem against which we stand Without compromising or bringing confusion.
Above all friends is One who stands out, He has called us His friends by His choice. There was nothing in me that could bring that about, But it is true, He said it, they had heard His voice - And He made the declaration when He gave salvation - We are His servants and friends in the family of God. Now from earth's billions there is a separation Of those in God's family He bought with His blood.
"Father, I thank Thee for the lessons learned from this short letter. May I be a willing communicator of grace by being hospitable. May I learn to express sincere Christian love without being inappropriate. May I be willing to communicate to those who are in difficulties, true care and concern in written words. May I make the effort of leaving my comfort-zone to bring peace to a brother and demonstrate true friendship. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen." s17 s18