Friday Faithfuls 2: 3 John

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

Welp...after being so carefully anonymous about names in 2 John, our elderly apostle is throwing names around all over the place in his third epistle (did any other Chosen fans do a long speculative double take at 'my dear friend Gaius'???)  So either my speculation about his caution in the last post was way out in left field, or he didn't feel the need to be as cautious with this letter for some reason.  Perhaps Gaius is in a less risky location?  Who knows, lol.

But John's style is a bit different here. Whereas his previous letters had been to groups of people, this letter is written to one person. Like Paul's letter to Philemon, it's personal.  John relates the failings of one particular individual, commends another, but he especially commends Gaius for being hospitable to some traveling believers who related to John how well Gaius had treated them.

It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.  We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.  - 3 John 7-8.

I think that's an interesting contrast to a sort of similar passage in 2 John: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him.  Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work" (verses 10 - 11)

John equates hospitality and welcome as participating in the ministry. In the previous epistle, as part of his warning against false teaching, he cautions folks against even being hospitable or encouraging to folks who are preaching a different teaching.  But here...Gaius is warmly commended for being hospitable and encouraging to folks who are accurately sharing the gospel.

It's worth noting that there is a distinction between the teachings.  There is a difference in the way believers are to respond.  And it is scriptural.  There is teaching that is correct and we can 'work together for the truth' and teaching that is not correct, and anyone who supports that 'shares in his wicked work'.

John is not being tolerant here, y'all.  Not at all.

And I'm gonna be honest...when I picked that verse I had a whole different direction I meant to go, but typing it out it brought to mind the passage in 2 John.  I had never looked at them together before.  But the contrast is telling.

Be careful who you partner with in ministry. All teachings are not equally valid.  Make sure your support is going to those who are working together for what is actually...the truth.