Thanks to previous experience among devoted pilgrims though this meaningless word, carrying the Word of God as their daily bread and symbol of their existence, and being confronted with my friend's irrational pit of despair in the claws of depression, * have decided to return to the healthy practice of learning the Gospel and the Word of God for myself, by getting more time and researching the passage * am currently reading. See what the outcome of that: * have learned to concentrate, feel that * am getting closer to God and understand His heart, and His plan much better. Personal Bible study brings so much light in our daily darkness, strengthens our minds and determination to do the will of God. It heals in miraculous ways our deepest wounds and fears. * would recommend it so strongly, if you feel you are pursuing wisdom and light.
The Third Book of John
Through the 3.Books of John, the Elder, and one of the 12 Apostles, writes in 90 C.E. (he is probably the only one of the twelve apostles still alive on planet earth at that time). He addresses what is good - writes to a good faithful Christian [Gaius] to continue to do what is good and of God: 1) to receive messengers of the Gospel; 2) to support brothers in the faith; 3) to stay away from the example of the ungodly leaders [like Diotrephes - his name has something to do with Zeus/ similar to "son of Zeus"].
Negativity really comes from some church leaders, who obviously even in the early church were trying to oppose the Apostles and hinder the work of God - spreading the Gospel and receiving new teachings from messengers sent by the Apostle [Elder]. John says that he himself has the authority to come and rebuke the evildoer for this opposition and harmful conceptions. John says: enough is enough, it is time to expose him and stop from from preventing the growth of the believers.
What is the contrast in his attitude toward faithful people - Gaius and Demetrius - they are not leaders within the church, but always reliable and hospitable - they "receive" and encourage brothers, show patience and love the Truth of the Gospel, and those who bring it. With such people John encourages true believers to make friends and follow their example.
And on the other hand - he vigorously admonishes us to stay away from false brethren that oppose the truth for the sake of keeping their power and their own role of importance. John tells just one word - such people are EVIL.
And to sum up: continue to do GOOD, stay away from EVIL.
The passage teaches me that this problem existed even in the early church, while the apostles, setting the foundation of the church were still alive. It seems to be more of a problem of a personal character rather than doctrine. People, who refuse to cooperate with those, who initially brought them the message and try to build their own authority into the church - should not forget - they will be rebuked and exposed by those, who really bring the gospel and know what is going on, because they have the Truth and have been appointed by God/ Christ to spread the truth. They do carry real responsibilities and will see that no one opposes that.
After all, the Elder John carries the blessing of Jesus Christ and builds on his legacy, so no earthly authority can oppose him for a long time.
There are many self-proclaimed leaders that have not exchanged their heathen names for Christian names, but God knows that and they do not have real authority. God and his apostles see and will make sure that the message of truth will be carried by faithful people to faithful brethren and that is how it still works nowadays. Is there a dilemma between: do evil or do good?! Stay with the good and do what is right; do not follow the example of what is evil (based on deception and old [other god's] identity).
The church is of Christ and is good, because good people bring the truth and should be received by good people.
Sources:
- The Orthodox Study Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishing, Nashville, 1982.
- An Overview of the 3. Book of John, In: Christian In Connect, Web, 2001.
- Book of 3 John, Got Questions, Web, 2002-2013.
- Third Epistle of John, Wikipedia, Web.
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