11: Fellow Workers for the Truth (3Jn 1-15)

The Basics

Setting

Unlike 2 John, this epistle is addressed to a brother, and the author, known as “the elder,” mentions specific people by name. Yet the theme of truth and love continues in 3 John with a similar tone and language, even though the elder goes into greater detail in describing the deeds and characters of individuals as well as the situation of the local church.

Key Verse

“We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth” (8).

Did You Know…”

1.         “I pray that you may prosper…” (2): “This is a standard greeting in many ancient letters, which quite often began with a prayer for the reader’s health, frequently including the prayer that all would go well with the person (not just material prosperity, as some translations could be read as implying).” ^4/751

Observation

Outline

(1)

(2-4)

(5-8)

(9-10)

(11-12)

(13-14)

Key Words/Phrases

Did You Know…?

1.         “Send them forward on their journey” refers to the supplying of necessary provisions for a person’s journey (cf. Acts 15:3; Tit 3:13). ^2/100

General Analysis

1.   Compare the following items in 2 and 3 John:

1a. Similar words and phrases that are repeated

1b. Tone

1c. Church problems

2.   Record what you know about the three characters in this epistle:

2a. Gaius

2b. Diotrephes

2c. Demetrius

Segment Analysis

2-4

1.         What is the “prosperity of the soul”?

2.         Why is it the elder’s greatest joy to hear that his children walk in the truth?

5-8

3a.       What does this paragraph teach about hospitality?

3b.       What is the significance of the phrase “in a manner worth of God”?

4a.       Why is it admirable that Gaius received brothers who were strangers to him?

4b.       Who are the strangers in your personal or church life? How should you receive them?

5.         Why does the author stress that these witnesses were going forth “for His name’s sake”?

6.         Why was receiving these missionaries so important to the church at that time, considering the situation of the church?

7.         In what ways can you receive and support the workers of God today and become their fellow workers?

9-10

8a.       What does this passage say about Diotrephes’ thoughts, words, and deeds?

8b.       Could his words and actions have stemmed from his thoughts? If so, how?

11-12

9.         What does it mean that Demetrius has a good testimony from the truth itself? Do you have a good testimony from the truth, not just from other people?

10a.     Why do people tend to imitate evil?

10b.     What reason does the author give for imitating good instead of evil?

11.       Do you sometimes become discouraged in the church because of the wicked deeds of some individuals? How does this passage encourage you?

13-14

12a. What is the meaning and significance of greeting the friends “by name”? (cf. Jn 10:3). How is it related to the context of this epistle?

12b.     Do you greet your brothers and sister “by name”? How can you enhance your relationship with other believers?