Last week we discussed the book in the Bible which has the fewest verses, so this week we look at Third John, which has the fewest words. What truths can be expressed in only 296 words? What is there in this book which caused God to include it in the Bible?
This book from the apostle John is written to Gaius. Whether he is one of the three men named Gaius in the New Testament makes little difference. What is important is that John knew him well, and he was one of John’s sons in the faith. His faithfulness to the Lord brought such to John that the apostle says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth” (v. 4). If you have ever led someone to the Lord, you understand this greatest joy!
John loved Gaius. He speaks of his love for him in four of the fourteen verses in this letter (vs. 1, 2, 4, 11). Read the last two verses, and you will see the depth of that love and his desire to see him again. John truly was the apostle of love, for he uses the word love more than fifty times in these three epistles at the end of the New Testament.
Gaius has many qualities every Christian should strive to have. He loved truth and encouraged those who shared the gospel with others. Both brethren and strangers were loved. John knew that shortly there would be evangelists arriving at Gaius’ house and was confident that he would help them in the work they did. His character is shown in John’s confidence that he would receive them and help them go to others in a worthy manner.
This book shows us that those who encourage and support those who teach are just as important as those who teach. They are seen as equals (fellow workers) with those who teach. Every Christian can be part of the teaching work done by others, and in this way they are “fellows” in this work together.
In the congregation that Gaius was part of, there were those who refused to be part of such work. Diotrephes is specifically mentioned as one who had no desire to be part of the work and maliciously spoke against those who had such a desire. Such opposition did not keep Gaius from doing what was right. Verse eleven seems to affirm that it is always right to do right. Thank God that Demetrius, another member, was one whose influence was the opposite of that of Diotrephes.
Do not overlook the five one chapter books in the Bible. You can read some of them in less than two minutes, and your life will be blessed as you do. It is in these books that we see the personal interest those early Christians had for each other. Take time to read them. Read them slowly and then read them again. It will change your life— eternally!
-Dan Jenkins
0 Comments