3 John

Jesus values community among fellow believers.

3 John 3-4 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. ⁴I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

This is a short letter from the apostle John to his friend Gaius. I get a great sense of community among believers at that time and the importance of community among believers in Christ.

John is encouraged by his friend’s faithfulness. The only reason John knew about Gaius’ faithfulness was because a group of believers that knew both of them told John about Gaius’ faithfulness. So we need to walk in the truth not only for ourselves, but for other Christians who struggle to do the same in an evil world. It is encouraging to know that we are in this together.

3 John 7-8 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. ⁸We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.

John also says that it is important to provide ‘hospitality’ to brothers doing the Lord’s work. We need to provide what another believer needs who is working to spread the Gospel. Once again we are in this together.

John also points out in vv 9-10 a man who is trying to destroy their sense of community and plans on confronting the man about it. Those who seek to destroy a community of believers are dangerous and should be dealt with firmly.

He also wants to see them in person, not just write to them. There is just something about spending quality time with friends and fellow believers that is very encouraging and uplifting.

3 John can be related to Paul's description of the 'Body of Christ' in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul compares the church to the parts of a human body working closely together. Paul’s main point is the interdependence within the church and the importance of each individual person or part carrying out their unique role. John’s letter illustrates the same point in a different way. Paul’s description of the church has more of a philosophical textbook feel while John’s letter shows how Paul’s description of the Body of Christ needs to be lived out. So no more debates on whether you’re a spleen or an aorta! You are an important person in the church, but no more important than anyone else.