Imitating the Good
“The Elder,
“To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. . . .
“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
“Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.” (III John 1:1-4, 9-12 NKJV)
The old Sesame Street song comes to mind when I read this. “One of these things is not like the others,” it went. Two of the men John names in this book clearly were approved of God; one was not.
In II John, the Apostle simply addressed, “the lady,” in this book he names three individuals. The opening contrast between Gaius and Diotrephes is amazingly stark, while his commendation of Demetrius nicely sandwiches the three together. Look at the differences in their treatment. What might have been the purpose of this short letter?
Gaius is called, “Beloved,” one who John loves, “in truth;” prosperity and good health is wished for him; and it is reported that he walks in truth. What was it specifically he had done that was so commendable? “Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. . . .” (III John 1:5-6 NKJV) Once again, John’s message always came down to the importance of love.
In contrast to the love shown by Gaius, Diotrephes is dressed down for his prideful attitude. It appears he sought to be and had been elevated to some degree of leadership (“loves to have the preeminence among them”) but was arrogant enough to refuse recognition of John or emissaries from John.
So puffed up was Diotrephes that in order to enforce his wishes, he used excommunication against any who accepted John’s ministry team. Likely because of the position of leadership already attained, John, rather than threaten this preeminent person with excommunication, indicated he would call Diotrephes out to his face, once was with them there in person. Paul did something similar to Peter regarding his dissimulation with the Judaizers in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-21)
John then follows up with the heart of his instructions in this short letter. “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (III John 1:11) “In this regard, be like Gaius, not Diotrephes,” he was essentially saying.
Moving quickly past that unpleasantness, John proceeded to commend Demetrius, possibly the one bearing his epistle to Gaius. Demetrius was reported to have, “a good testimony from all,” and from “the truth itself.” John then gave his personal endorsement. What an awesome letter of recommendation!
The question that comes to mind is this – which of these would best describe me and/or my ministry style? Am I more a Gaius, faithfully leading my flock/family/prayer group in love; a Demetrius, diligently carrying the Good News to those who most need it; or a Diotrephes, a self-appointed superior saint, lording my position over other? I know where I want to end up on that spectrum. How about you?
Related Scriptures
“The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:” (II John 1:1-2 NKJV)
“I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.” (II John 1:4 NKJV)
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” (I Thessalonians 2:19-20 NKJV)
“For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” (I Corinthians 4:15 NKJV)
“The wise in heart will receive commands,
But a prating fool will fall.
He who winks with the eye causes trouble,
But a prating fool will fall.” (Proverbs 10:8, 10 NKJV)
“Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalms 34:14 NKJV)
“Depart from evil, and do good;
And dwell forevermore.” (Psalms 37:27 NKJV)
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” (Romans 14:19 NKJV)
“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” (I Thessalonians 5:15 NKJV)
“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (I Timothy 6:11 NKJV)
“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (II Timothy 2:22 NKJV)
“If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.” (I John 2:29 NKJV)
“In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” (I John 3:10 NKJV)
“‘Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.’” (Acts 6:3-4 NKJV)
“Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (I Timothy 3:7 NKJV)
“And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.” (John 19:35 NKJV)
“This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.” (John 21:24 NKJV)