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More III John commentaries
III John 1:1-8
Dealing with the problem of hospitality
III John 1:9-14
Practice hospitality ungrudgingly
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III John 1:1-8
Dealing with the problem of hospitality
III John 1:9-14
Practice hospitality ungrudgingly
© Family Times | About Us | Donate | Contact Us
Search for sermons by: Commentaries | Scripture search | Topics
Practice hospitality ungrudgingly
III John 1:9–14
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Hospitality is the art of making people want to stay without interfering with their departure. (Source Unknown, Lou Nicholes - Missionary/Author).
John mentions how Diotrephes likes to be the number-one leader in the Church and refuses to welcome any of the Lord’s followers who come by (vv. 9-10). The ancient world had a system of “guest-friendships" whereby families undertook to give each other hospitality when the occasion arose. If the heathen world accepted the obligation of hospitality, it was only to be expected that Christians would take it even more seriously. It is Peter’s injunction: “Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another” (1 Peter 4:9).
This passage is written about Diotrephes who it is said, “loves to have the preeminence” (v.9) He is not a false teacher but one who is fundamental in the faith. He believes the truth concerning God, Christ and the virgin birth, yet he is doing harm to the cause of Christ. He will not accept the authority of John, and he will not receive the itinerant missionaries. He is determined to see that the local congregation manages its own affairs and excommunicates those who are prepared to accept the authority of John and to receive the wandering preachers. He appears to be a very strong minded elder and an aggressive member of the congregation who by the force of his personality is very persuasive. Certainly he emerges as a strong and dominant character (v.10).
Diotrephes’ behavior was to be avoided and not copied (v.11). It is suggested that if Gaius imitates that which is good he will extend hospitality to Demetrius (v. 12), whom many believe to be one of the missionaries John sent to the church with an excellent testimony. A true Christian leader is a servant, not a person who Lord’s over others. He mentions how he has more to say, but doesn’t want to put it in writing (v. 13). Instead he hopes to see them soon, where they can talk in person (v. 14).
Application
A bishop must be a man given to hospitality (1 Timothy 3:2). Titus is told to be “hospitable” (Titus 1:8). I must always be wide open to have a place for the stranger who may come my way.
III John 1:9-14 (English Standard Version)
I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
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