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3 John Commentary
3 John 1
Again the apostle insists on the truth, as characterising
real love: "Whom I love in the truth," he says to Gaius. He rejoiced
when the brethren (those, I imagine, whom Gaius had received into his house and
helped on their journey) testified of the truth that was in him, as in effect
he walked in the truth. The apostle had no greater joy than that of hearing
that his children walked in the truth. In receiving those who went forth to
preach the truth, they helped the truth itself; they were co-workers with it.
Diotrephes would have nothing to do with this; he not only refused to receive
these itinerant preachers, but excommunicated those who did so. He claimed
authority for himself. The apostle would remember it. It is their duty to do
good. "He that doeth good is of God."
He goes so far, with regard to the truth, as to say, that the truth
itself bore witness to Demetrius. I suppose that the latter had propagated it,
and that the establishment and confirmation of the truth every where-at least
where he had laboured-was a testimony with regard to himself.
This insistence on the truth, as the test for the last
days, is very remarkable; and so is this preaching itinerancy' by persons who
took nothing of the Gentiles when they came forth, leaving it to God to cause
them to be received of those who had the truth at heart, the truth being their
only passport among Christians, and the only means by which the apostle could
guard the faithful. It appears that they were of the Jewish race, for he says,
"receiving nothing of the Gentiles," the apostle thus making the
distinction. I notice this, because, if it be so, the force of the expression
"and not for ours only" (l John 2:2) becomes simple and evident,
which it is not to every one. The apostle, as Paul does, makes the difference
of 'us', Jews, though one in Christ. We may also remark that the apostle
addressed the assembly, and not Diotrephes, its head; and that it was this
leader who loving preeminence, resisted the apostle's words which the assembly,
as it appears, were not inclined to do.
Gaius persevered in his godly course, in spite of the
ecclesiastical authority (whatever may have been its right or pretended right)
which Diotrephes evidently exercised: for he cast persons out of the assembly.
When the apostle came, he would (like Paul) manifest his
real power. He did not own in himself an ecclesiastical authority to remedy
these things by a command. These Epistles are very remarkable in this respect.
With regard to those who went about preaching, the only means he had, even in
the case of a woman, was to call her attention to the truth. The authority of
the preacher lay altogether in that. His competency was another matter. The
apostle knew no authority which sanctioned their mission, the absence of which
would prove it to be false or unauthorised. The whole question of their
reception lay in the doctrine which they brought. The apostle had no other way
to judge of the authority of their mission: there was then no other; for, had
there been any that authority would have flowed from him. He would have been
able to say, "Where are the proofs of their mission?" He knew none
but this-do they bring the truth? If not, do not salute them. If they bring the
truth, you do well to receive them, in spite of all the Diotrephes in the
world.
── John Darby《Synopsis of 3 John》
3 John 1
Chapter Contents
The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality.
(1-8) Cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit;
but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character. (9-12) He hopes soon
to see Gaius. (13,14)
Commentary on 3 John 1:1-8
(Read 3 John 1:1-8)
Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren
for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven.
Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may
be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to
such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous
souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is
still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the
apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that
their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith
will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could
not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice
in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and
goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to
good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked
petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the
image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful
servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the
commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ.
Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do;
and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly
sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known
Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those
who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those
who do so.
Commentary on 3 John 1:9-12
(Read 3 John 1:9-12)
Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and
spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good
ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions
and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love.
Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is
born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us
not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example
may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and
walk in love, after the example of our Lord.
Commentary on 3 John 1:13,14
(Read 3 John 1:13,14)
Here is the character of Demetrius. A name in the gospel,
or a good report in the churches, is better than worldly honour. Few are well
spoken of by all; and sometimes it is ill to be so. Happy those whose spirit
and conduct commend them before God and men. We must be ready to bear our
testimony to them; and it is well when those who commend, can appeal to the
consciences of such as know most of those who are commended. A personal
conversation together often spares time and trouble, and mistakes which rise
from letters; and good Christians may well be glad to see one another. The
blessing is, Peace be to you; all happiness attend you. Those may well salute
and greet one another on earth, who hope to live together in heaven. By associating
with and copying the example of such Christians, we shall have peace within,
and live at peace with the brethren; our communications with the Lord's people
on earth will be pleasing, and we shall be numbered with them in glory
everlasting.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 3 John》
3 John 1
Verse 1
[1] The
elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Caius was probably that Caius of Corinth whom
St. Paul mentions, Romans 16:23. If so, either he was removed from
Achaia into Asia, or St. John sent this letter to Corinth.
Verse 3
[3] For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth
that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
For — I know
thou usest all thy talents to his glory.
The truth that is in thee — The true faith and love.
Verse 4
[4] I
have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
I have no greater joy than this — Such is the spirit of every true Christian pastor.
To hear that my children walk in the truth — Caius probably was converted by St. Paul. Therefore when St. John speaks
of him. with other believers, as his children, it may be considered as the
tender style of paternal love, whoever were the instruments of their
conversion. And his using this appellation, when writing under the character of
the elder, has its peculiar beauty.
Verse 5
[5]
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to
strangers;
Faithfully —
Uprightly and sincerely.
Verse 6
[6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou
bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
Who have testified of thy love before the
church — The congregation with whom I now reside.
Whom if thou send forward on their journey — Supplied with what is needful.
Thou shalt do well —
How tenderly does the apostle enjoin this!
Verse 7
[7]
Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the
Gentiles.
They went forth — To
preach the gospel.
Verse 8
[8] We
therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
To receive —
With all kindness.
The truth —
Which they preach.
Verse 9
[9] I
wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among
them, receiveth us not.
I wrote to the church — Probably that to which they came.
But Diotrephes —
Perhaps the pastor of it.
Who loveth to have the preeminence among them — To govern all things according to his own will.
Receiveth us not — Neither
them nor me. So did the mystery of iniquity already work!
Verse 10
[10]
Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against
us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself
receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of
the church.
He prateth against us — Both them and me, thereby endeavouring to excuse himself.
Verse 11
[11]
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth
good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Follow not that which is evil — In Diotrephes.
But that which is good — In Demetrius.
He hath not seen God — Is a stranger to him.
Verse 12
[12]
Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we
also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
And from the truth itself — That is, what they testify is the very truth.
Yea, we also bear testimony — I and they that are with me.
Verse 14
[14] But
I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to
thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
Salute the friends by name — That is, in the same manner as if I had named them one by one. The word
friend does not often occur in the New Testament, being swallowed up in the
more endearing one of brother.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 3 John》
Chapter 1. Walk in the Truth Together
Go Out to
Preach
Receive No Help
I. Commendation
of Gaius
II.
Condemnation of Diotrephes
III. Example of
Demetrins
── Chih-Hsin
Chang《An Outline of
The New Testament》
The Three Men Of Third John (1-14)
I. THE THREE MEN OF THIRD JOHN
A. GAIUS -- A MAN WHOM JOHN WOULD HAVE PROSPER (1-8) 1. A dear friend of John, whom he prayed would prosper physically as well as he did spiritually - 3 Jn 1-2 2. John so loved and prayed for Gaius, because he was a man who... a. Had a good reputation - 3 Jn 3a b. Walked in the truth - 3 Jn 3b c. Gave John great joy when hearing of his faithfulness - 3 Jn 4 d. Was hospitable toward all - 3 Jn 5-6a e. Was encouraged to continue supporting gospel preachers - 3 Jn 6b-8 B. DIOTREPHES -- A MAN WHO WOULD BE PREEMINENT (9-11) 1. A description of Diotrephes' character... a. Self-promoter -- he strove to be first - 3 Jn 9a b. Insubordinate -- he would not receive the [authority of] apostles - 3 Jn 9b c. Slanderous -- He spoke nonsense, and slandered - 3 Jn 10a d. Vindictive -- He would not receive certain brethren, and cast out other brethren - 3 Jn 10b 2. Diotrephes' character serves as a warning: "he who does evil has not seen God" - 3 Jn 11b C. DEMETRIUS -- A MAN WHO WOULD BE A PATTERN (11-12) 1. John encourages Gaius to imitate what is good, for he who does good is of God - 3 Jn 11 2. Demetrius appears to be offered as a pattern for Gaius, for Demetrius had a good report... - 3 Jn 12 a. From all the brethren b. From the truth itself ("Demetrius lived according to the mandates of God's Word so that his life showed clear evidence of the truth" - Kistemaker) c. From John and the apostles [Thus we have these pen portraits of three men preserved in this letter, giving us some insight into the life of the early church.There were some good men (Gaius, Demetrius), but sadly there were somebad as well (Diotrephes). Not much different today, is it? That being the case, then perhaps we should remember these...] II. LESSONS FROM THIRD JOHN
A. CHRISTIANS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SHOULD BE... 1. We may have to serve in the face of opposition from other brethren 2. Will we allow this to effect our service? 3. Will we allow this to effect our salvation? B. CHRISTIANS OFTEN IMITATE OTHER CHRISTIANS... 1. John says to imitate what is good for two reasons: a. Those who do good are of God b. Those who do evil do not know God 2. What example are we setting in the local church? Who are we imitating? 3. Gaius had the example of Diotrephes and Demetrius. Who do you suppose he would seek to imitate? C. CHRISTIANS OFTEN ALLOW THE "SPIRIT OF DIOTREPHES" TO REIGN...
1. Diotrephes was successful because some of the members... a. Allowed Diotrephes to dominate b. Would not take a stand for the truth c. Would not support those who took a stand for the truth 2. Diotrephes was successful because there was a certain climate of complacency and cowardice within the local church 3. NOTE: That Diotrephes was able to get away with his domination strongly suggests to me that Gaius and Diotrephes were not members of the same congregation, but in different congregations CONCLUSION
1. We will consider some more truths that can be gleaned from this epistle in the next couple of lessons 2. But I hope that this introduction to this epistle and a brief look at "The Three Men Of Third John" will stimulate our thinking... a. What kind of example are we setting? b. If John had written a letter in which your name was mentioned, what would he have said about you? 1) Would he have prayed for your prosperity? 2) Would he have condemned your desire for prominence? 3) Or would he have set you up as a pattern for others to follow? c. If we will but "walk in the truth" like Gaius, we will have a good "testimony" from all like Demetrius! NOTE: A special thanks to Chris Reeves (CHREEVES@aol.com) and his
Expandable Outlines #37 (THREE MEN OF THIRD JOHN), from which Iborrowed heavily in preparing this outline.
Spiritual And Material Prosperity (2-4)
INTRODUCTION
1. We saw in our previous study that Third John is an epistle addressed to Gaius, a man whom John would have prosper: "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be inhealth, just as your soul prospers" - 3 Jn 2
2. In this verse, John alludes to two kinds of prosperity: a. There is spiritual prosperity ("just as your soul prospers") b. And there is material prosperity ("that you may prosper in all things and be in health") 3. The manner in which John mentions and compares these two kinds of prosperity is interesting, and raises several questions worth considering: a. What are the signs of spiritual prosperity? b. What is the propriety of praying for material prosperity? c. Would we want John to pray such a prayer for us? [These questions we shall attempt to answer in this lesson. Beginningwith the first question, we need go no further than the context of Third John...] I. THE SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY
A. THE TRUTH IS ABIDING IN YOU... 1. John rejoiced greatly when he heard from others of how the "truth" was in Gaius - 3 Jn 3a 2. That the "truth" was in Gaius was one indication that his soul was prosperous 3. What does it mean to have the "truth" in you? Two possibilities: a. It could refer to the abiding of Jesus in one's soul, as He is the truth - cf. Jn 14:6 b. It could refer to the incorporation into our very heart and soul the teachings and principles of the gospel of Jesus -- It pretty much means the same thing, for the latter brings about the former - cf. Jn 14:21-23; 1 Jn 3:24 4. A prosperous soul, then, is one in which... a. One's heart and mind has opened itself up to receive all that Jesus taught b. One is feeding daily upon the Word of God, whereby spiritual growth is possible - 1 Pe 2:2 B. YOU ARE WALKING IN THE TRUTH... 1. John could also joyfully write of Gaius "walking in the truth" - 3 Jn 3b-4 2. In a sense, there is a mixing of metaphors here a. The truth abides in Gaius b. Gaius walks in the truth -- Perhaps that simply illustrates the limitation of human language to describe spiritual realities 3. The point to be made, however, is this: for there to be prosperity, there must be progress a. It is not enough to simply sit and say "I have the truth in my soul" b. One must be acting upon it, living according to it, as illustrated by Jesus in His sermon on the mount - cf. Mt 7:24-27
c. True blessedness comes in being a "doer" and not just a "hearer" - Ja 1:22-25; Jn 13:17 [Spiritual prosperity occurs as one feeds upon the truth of God foundonly in His Son Jesus Christ, and lives his or her life in harmony withthat truth. So Gaius prospered in his soul, and so can we! Gaius' need was not spiritual prosperity, it evidently was materialprosperity. This brings up the question of...] II. THE PROPRIETY OF PRAYING FOR MATERIAL PROSPERITY
A. JOHN'S PRAYER FOR GAIUS... 1. John thought it proper to pray for things other than spiritual needs - 3 Jn 2 a. "that you may prosper in all good things" b. "and be in good health" 2. Whether it be family, business, or personal health, it is proper to pray that God might bless us in these areas B. JOHN WAS FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE SET BY OTHERS... 1. The example of the Psalmist - cf. Ps 144:12-15 2. The example of our Lord - Mt 6:11 ("Give us this day our daily bread") C. THE CHALLENGE IS KEEPING IT IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE... 1. If our desire for material prosperity is for personal gain, then we should not expect God to answer favorably - cf. Ja 4:2-4
2. But there can be altruistic reasons for praying for material prosperity: a. We can pray for health, that one might live longer to serve the Lord in this life b. We can pray for success in business, that we might have the means to help others c. We can pray for peace, that we might further the spread of the gospel 3. Of course, it is much easier to pray with prosper perspective when it is others we are praying for, and not ourselves (as is the case in our text!) [That brings us to a few final observations I would like to make concerning...] III. MATERIAL PROSPERITY IN RELATION TO SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY
A. "...JUST AS YOUR SOUL PROSPERS" 1. John prays that Gaius prosper materially just as he does spiritually 2. In view of Gaius' spiritual prosperity (the truth abides in him, he walks in the truth), this prayer if answered would be a blessing to Gaius 3. Would we want God to answer such a prayer in our behalf? To the degree that our souls prosper... a. Would we want Him to bless our physical bodies? b. Would we want Him to bless our families, our homes, our jobs, our nation? 4. I dare say that in light of the spiritual condition of some Christians, such a prayer answered in their behalf would be a curse, not a blessing! B. MATERIAL PROSPERITY IS GOOD, BUT SPIRITUAL PROSPERITY IS ETERNAL 1. As Paul writes, godliness has "promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" - 1 Ti 4:7-8; 6:6-7 2. We can't take material prosperity with us, and it takes spiritual prosperity on our part (i.e., wisdom from God) to properly use the material blessings we have - 1 Ti 6:8-10,17-19
CONCLUSION
1. So while we may certainly pray for our material prosperity, may we never lose sight of the fact that our greatest need is spiritual prosperity which lasts forever 2. Concentrate your efforts on prospering spiritually, and may the Lord in His Divine wisdom and grace bless you in all other ways accordingly! Are you walking in the truth? Is the truth abiding in you? Heed thecall of the gospel today if you have not already... - cf. Mk 16:15-16;Ac 2:36-38
Supporting Ministers Of The Gospel (5-8)
INTRODUCTION
1. In writing to Gaius, John has referred to his joy of hearing that Gaius is "walking in the truth" - 3 Jn 3-4 2. An area of Gaius' life in which this was especially true was in showing hospitality to traveling ministers - 3 Jn 5-8 3. In Second John, we saw the "danger" of receiving and supporting those teachers who do not proclaim the doctrine of Christ - cf. 2 Jn9-11
4. But here in Third John, we learn of the "good" that can be done when we receive and support those involved in the spreading of the gospel 5. In this study, we shall consider... a. The scriptural authority for supporting ministers of the gospel b. The reasons given by John for why we should be willing to do so [Going outside of our text to other portions of Scripture, consider what we learn about...] I. THE SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY FOR SUPPORTING MINISTERS
A. AS TAUGHT BY JESUS... 1. Jesus Himself was dependent upon others for support as He went about preaching - Lk 8:1-3 2. In sending out the twelve disciples, He taught that "a worker is worthy of his food" - cf. Mt 10:5-10 3. In sending out the seventy, He said "the laborer is worthy of his wages" - cf. Lk 10:1-8 B. AS TAUGHT BY PAUL... 1. Though for personal reasons he generally chose not to accept it, Paul defended the right of supporting ministers - 1 Co 9:3-14
a. Just as soldiers are not expected to support themselves - 1 Co 9:7a b. Just as farmers and shepherds enjoy the fruits of their labors - 1 Co 9:b c. Just as the Law illustrated with the command not to muzzle the ox that treads out the grain - 1 Co 9:8-10 d. From the principle of reasonableness: if one sows spiritual things, is it a great matter to reap material things? - 1 Co 9:11 e. From the example of those serving in the temple who could partake of the offerings on the altar - 1 Co 9:13 f. Even the Lord commanded: "Those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (perhaps a reference to Mt 10:10 and Lk 10:7) - 1 Co 9:14 g. NOTE: Paul chose not to receive such support under normal circumstances for the following reasons... 1) It was one of the few areas in which he could boast - 1 Co 9:15 2) He could not boast in preaching the gospel, for he had been divinely commissioned - 1 Co 9:16-17 a) He must do it as a steward of Christ b) He had no choice if he were to be saved c) Such is not the case of those who preach today; unless the Lord appeared to us and commanded us to preach (as He did with Paul), it is something we do willingly and thereby have a reason to boast 3) But, that Paul might have a reason to boast, a reward, he freely gave up his right (authority) to receive support in _most_ cases - 1 Co 9:18 (however cf. 2 Co11:7-9; Ph 4:10-16)
2. Another passage by Paul suggesting the scripturalness of supporting teachers - Ga 6:6 [With the approval of Jesus and His apostle Paul, there should be noquestion about the scripturalness of supporting ministers of the gospel. As we return to our text (3 Jn 5-8),we find that John gives us sixreasons that ought to motivate us to do so...] II. SCRIPTURAL MOTIVATION FOR SUPPORTING MINISTERS
A. IT IS A TESTIMONY TO OUR FAITHFULNESS... 1. John wrote of Gaius: "Beloved, you do faithfully..." - 3 Jn 5 2. When we show hospitality to brethren (and ministers), it demonstrates our faithfulness to the teachings of Christ and His apostles B. IT IS A TESTIMONY TO OUR LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER... 1. John said of those who had received Gaius' hospitality that they "...had borne witness of your love..." - 3 Jn 6a 2. We demonstrate that we are keeping that "new" commandment first given to us by the Lord Himself - cf. Jn 13:34-35 3. In light of the value of such love ("by this all will know..."), we ought to be grateful for opportunities to bear witness of our love for the brethren C. IT HONORS GOD... 1. John makes reference to sending such ministers on their journey "in a manner worthy of God" - 3 Jn 6 2. "worthy of God" means "as befits God" 3. Thus the way in which we support ministers of God can be a reflection upon God Himself a. If we do not consider His faithful ministers worthy of support, what do we think of God? b. If we honor and support those servants who faithfully proclaim His Word, it is because we honor and respect the One they serve! D. IT IS A TESTIMONY TO THE LOST... 1. The ones Gaius was encouraged to support were those who were "taking nothing from the Gentiles" - 3 Jn 7 a. This likely means they would not solicit support from the unsaved b. Depending instead upon their brethren 2. When ministers of the gospel solicit help from those lost souls they are trying to save, it sends a bad message a. Perhaps the ministers are in it just for the money... b. If what they taught was worth anything, why don't their own followers support it? 3. When the gospel is offered free of cost, being supported whole-heartedly by those who know it best, it can be a powerful testimony of the value _we_ place on it! E. IT OBEYS GOD... 1. John, by inspiration of the Spirit of God, tells us "We therefore _ought_ to receive such" - 3 Jn 8a 2. Thus, supporting ministers of the gospel is not only an opportunity, but an obligation! a. Exhorted by Paul in Ga 6:6 b. Exchange of material things for spiritual things considered reasonable by Paul in 1 Co 9:11; cf. also Ro 15:26-27 F. IT MAKES ONE A FELLOW WORKER FOR THE TRUTH... 1. As John concludes in verse 8: "that we may become fellow workers for the truth" 2. When we support a teacher, we become co-workers in what they do a. If we support teachers of error, we share in their evil deeds - 2 Jn 10-11 b. But when we support teachers of the gospel, we have fellowship in their work - Ph 1:3-5; cf. 4:15-16 3. As co-workers, we will one day enjoy the same rewards - cf. Mt 10:40-42 CONCLUSION
1. So we not only have scriptural authority for supporting ministers of the gospel, but many reasons to do so! 2. The rapid spread of the gospel and growth of the early church was facilitated by such people as Gaius, along with... a. Aquila and Priscilla, who allowed the churches to meet in their homes - Ro 15:3-5a ; 1 Co 16:19 b. Philemon, who let the church meet in his house, and could be called upon without hesitation to provide lodging for the apostle Paul - Phile 1-2, 22 3. Today, as walls tumble down that once stood preventing the free course of the gospel, there is still a need to support those who preach the gospel May the spirit and liberality of Gaius fill the hearts of those Christians and churches who would be fellow workers for the truth!
The Spirit Of Diotrephes (9-10)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our study of Third John, we have noticed the commendable spirit found in Gaius... a. The truth was in him - 3 Jn 3 b. He walked in the truth - 3 Jn 3-4 c. He demonstrated love and hospitality towards the brethren and for strangers - 3 Jn 5-6 2. Unfortunately, another man mentioned in this letter did not possess the spirit of Gaius... a. His name was Diotrephes b. And John felt it necessary to relate what Diotrephes had done, and what he (John) would have to do in response - 3 Jn 9-10 3. While there are many people today who possess the spirit of Gaius, and bless the Lord's church accordingly, it is not uncommon for "The Spirit Of Diotrephes"... a. To be found in some churches b. To tear apart the love and unity that ought to prevail in every congregation 4. That we might be on guard against "The Spirit Of Diotrephes", in this lesson we shall... a. Identify exactly what characterized the spirit of Diotrephes b. Consider how it was so contrary to the principles taught by our Lord and His apostles [We begin, then, by noticing that "The Spirit Of Diotrephes" was oneof...]