February 23, 2016
Scripture Reading: 3 John 1-2
1The elder,
To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
Questions for Reflection:
John follows the traditional form of the Greco-Roman world in his letter. He begins by identifying himself as “the elder.” Who does John write his letter to? Gary Burge notes, “The names given in 3 John (Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius) are all Greek; this fact suggests a cultural context far removed from Judea and Galilee.” Another commentator noted that Gaius probably was a convert to the Christian faith from a pagan background. John is writing to a person who has come to faith in Christ in a polytheistic world.
How does he refer to Gaius? Twice John refers to him as a “dear friend.” He also calls him one “whom I love in the truth.” For John, the concept of truth is a theme that he has woven throughout his letters. Throughout his epistles, John has been writing to his followers instructing them to live and walk in the truth. What has been struggle facing John’s church? What conclusions can we draw about Gaius’ faith based upon John’s description?
John follows the convention of the day by moving into a prayer for his readers in verse 2. What does John pray for Gaius? Some believers have read this verse and come to the conclusion that God wants us to be healthy and wealthy? Do you agree with that conclusion? Why or why not? It’s helpful for us to remember the context in which verses come. John is writing a stereotypical blessing and not promoting a theological perspective of blessing. Always make sure your interpretation of Scripture is rooted to the overall context of the passage.