Have you ever watched a movie about superheroes? I have often found them to be highly entertaining. Now, recall how the hero and the villain have a brief conversation; this is usually called the backstory. The villain, thinking he will destroy the Caped Crusader, explains his origin, how he became the man who hatched this ambitious plan to conquer the world. This is a theatrical setting. However, in the New Testament, writers sent letters, and background information could be given in the work. Analogously, General Epistles do not carry over all the necessary information to fully comprehend the message. How can an individual read between the lines and understand what an author was writing? This is the goal of this study. John’s Third Letter can be utilized as a letter dealing with leadership conflict through the backstory of the narrative and the ministry of the application.

The first point is that John’s Third Letter can be utilized as a letter dealing with leadership conflict through the backstory of the narrative. It is interesting to note that the conflict was in Gaius’ church (3 Jn. 1).[1] However, Craig Keener displays this letter as a formal inquiry, “This is a “letter of recommendation” for Demetrius, a traveling missionary (vv. 7–8) who needs to be put up by a local church while he is evangelizing in their area (cf. comment on Mt 10:11–13, 40–42).”[2] Alan England Brooke, in his critical and exegetical commentary on the Johannine Epistles (1-3 John), notes “the name” referring to Jesus Christ.[3] It is appropriate to consider John’s encouragement to Gaius (3 Jn. 1-8). Gaius, who was appointed by John for the oversight of the churches in Pergamum, is denied by recent scholars.[4] Yet, it is essential to notice the different Gaiuses in the NT (of Macedonia and Corinth).[5] However, this exhortation has purpose. The Apostle John writes further that he wrote to the church, who loves to have the preeminence did not receive us (ἡμᾶς, plural pronoun, 3 Jn. 9). Diotrephes, in this running narrative, not only speaks malicious words, but also does not receive traveling missionaries (issue of hospitality, 3 Jn. 10).[6] John proposes to follow what is good, not evil, gives an excellent report for Demetrius, and concludes that he will be seeing Gaius extremely soon (3 Jn. 11-14). The backstory is that Diotrephes was taking charge of the church in unethical ways. Not letting believers partake in fellowship, not speaking edifying words, even against the apostles and the church, and condemned them (3 Jn. 10-11). This is interesting because this falls under a messy situation in ministry. This is a fascinating backstory that sets the stage for this letter. The next area discusses the key takeaways.

The second point is that John’s Third Letter can be utilized as a letter dealing with leadership conflict through the ministry of the application. This backstory provides a unique climax for formal takeaways. The first is the importance of being hospitable to believers. While the elder Gaius was a notable example of ministering to others’ needs, Diotrephes was not (3 Jn. 1-9). Walter Elwell and Robert Yarbrough propose that Demetrius has a good report among the brethren (3 Jn. 12).[7]

Integrity plays a valuable role in walking with the Lord. For even His bridegroom will be spotless, unblemished from the world (Eph. 5:27). The second application is to watch out for false teachers. What drove this reason is its unique setting, as Diotrephes casts out believers from the church. It contrasts with Paul’s words to the teachers in Corinth (2 Cor. 10). Just like Paul references the flesh, John uses imagery from his First Epistle (1 Jn. 3:9-10, 15-16). Pray to the Lord, use discernment, and seek Christian community.

The final area of study is to consider that John will deal with the issue directly, face to face (3 Jn. 13-14). In fellowship, ministry, and he public square, believers should be able to talk about issues directly, in person. These are important considerations as the backstory relays a troubled apostle, mentoring an elder on those who take advantage of power struggles within the congregation. Providing the solution to the fitting example of Demetrius.

In conclusion, John’s Third Letter can be utilized as a letter dealing with leadership conflict through the backstory of the narrative and the ministry of the application. My call to action is to be hospitable and learn from the apostle’s leadership in this situation. Back to the superhero, will you deal with a villain face-to-face? Have an enjoyable day.

God bless,

Rockwell

Bibliography

Akin, Daniel L. 1, 2, 3 John. Vol. 38. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001.

Brooke, Alan England. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Johannine Epistles. International Critical Commentary. New York: C. Scribner’s Sons, 1912.

Derickson, Gary W. First, Second, and Third John. Evangelical Exegetical Commentary.Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012.

Elwell, Walter A., and Robert W. Yarbrough. Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey. Third Edition. Encountering Biblical Studies. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013.

Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

[1] Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is referenced in the King James Version.

[2] Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 3 Jn.

[3] Alan England Brooke, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Johannine Epistles, International Critical Commentary (New York: C. Scribner’s Sons, 1912), 185.

[4] Gary W. Derickson, First, Second, and Third John, Evangelical Exegetical Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), 656.

[5] Alan England Brooke, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Johannine Epistles, International Critical Commentary (New York: C. Scribner’s Sons, 1912), 181–182.

[6] Daniel L. Akin, 1, 2, 3 John, vol. 38, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), 246.

[7] Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey, Third Edition. Encountering Biblical Studies (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 352.