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More III John commentaries
III John 1:1-8
Dealing with the problem of hospitality
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III John 1:1-8
Dealing with the problem of hospitality
© Family Times | About Us | Donate | Contact Us
Search for sermons by: Commentaries | Scripture search | Topics
Dealing with the problem of hospitality
III John 1:1–8
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
A pastor had a farmer friend in his congregation and they were talking over the fence one day. The pastor asked the farmer, “Abe, if you had one hundred horses, would you give me fifty?” Abe said, “Certainly.” The pastor asked, “If you had one hundred cow … More
This letter talks about having an attitude of generosity and dealing with the problem of hospitality and specifically to those who are refusing to give it to brothers in Christ. The bond of affection between John and Gaius is based on the truth of God’s Word (v. 1). Gaius was evidently an outstanding spiritual man. John prays that he will prosper both physically and spiritually (v. 2). Through other brothers in Christ, John had heard that Gaius was living a lifestyle that was consistent with God’s Word (vv. 3-4).
John commends Gaius for his generosity (vv. 5-8). Many Bible scholars think the statement, “bring forward on their journey,” (v. 5) constituted an expression in those days that meant he also promised to help Christian workers financially in their work as well as providing hospitality. This is certainly consistent with I Corinthians 9:7-14 that states that those who have given themselves exclusively to the Lord’s work had a right to live by the means of the gospel they proclaim.
Generosity is a lost art among many Christians today. We would do well to look for neighbors who are disabled or elderly and mow their lawn, or do some repair work for them. Because of our individualistic, self-centered society there are many lonely people who wonder if anyone cares.
Application
It is my desire to known as a person who is generous. This involves being a person who encourages and gives opportunity for others to be creative and develop their gifts and abilities for the Lord.
III John 1:1-8 (English Standard Version)
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »
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