3 John 1:3 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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3 John 1:3

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But there are the two departments. What about the soul? In verse three John explains his confidence in the well-being of Gaius’ soul. He rejoiced greatly, that when the brethren came to Gaius – this is the travelling preachers no doubt – when they returned home from a long arduous mission they said, ‘We stayed with Gaius at such-and-such a place and he was such an encouragement, he helped us in so many ways. He is very profound in the Word of God. He understands everything and he gave us such good counsel and advice, and when we were crushed and defeated he lifted us up in our souls, and he had so many right things to say, and he provided for us. We will read in a verse or two, that he also sent them on their way; he provided for the next stage of the journey and where they would stay. He was a tower of strength. Gaius is a convert of John’s own ministry and he has prospered.‘For I rejoiced greatly.’ John is so genuine. He had so many people he could think about in his mind, like the apostle Paul earlier. So many churches he would pray for and he never got used to the blessing. Always he gave thanks for it and was moved by people who turned to Christ. John never mellowed in his 90s, his whole heart was lifted up whenever he heard news of people converted under his ministry who were solid and advancing. So you find that attention to personal progress in the opening verses.

Application

Gaius learns. Are we too learning? Are we learning week by week from God’s Word? Are we sanctified, battling against sin, seeking God’s help? Do we keep the vision of Christian service alive in our priorities? So we know how to be not totally absorbed by business and family and so on. Spiritual things are all important to us and our contribution. Do we pass the tests of life spiritually? You can be sure that every Christian will have regular tests along the way; it is the will of God for us. There will be some test, something which will come along, which stretches us perhaps to the very limit, which challenges us, which we have to respond to by belief, cleaving to the Lord, praying for help, doing the right thing, by the Lord and his Word. Will you pass the test? Gaius is somebody who passes those tests that come up so frequently in the Christian life, and grows stronger over time.

And in our churches, what is our spiritual progress like along the road? Have you been swept off the road so that you are only there on Sunday mornings? You are not there for Bible studies, not there to support the evening worship, and make the cross central, and to pray for souls. How is your spiritual progress? What may be said of you? You are doing well, you have had a rise or two, you prosper in your business and your work, but what about your soul?

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3 John 1:3 Commentary and Bible Study

Explain meaning of 3 John 1:3