The Chosen Key Word in this Book is “Love of preeminence” it comes from the Greek Word “philoproteuo” which means “to love being first.”
One book, just one chapter, and a personal letter from John to a faithful believer named Gaius, praising his generous hospitality while confronting another church leader who refused to show that same welcome. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Book Reviews. I am Chris and this is Third John.
John opens with genuine affection for Gaius, praying that he would prosper and stay in good health “even as thy soul prospereth,” and expressing real joy at hearing how faithfully Gaius has been walking in truth. John specifically commends Gaius for his generous hospitality toward traveling teachers, strangers to him personally, who had gone out for the sake of Christ’s name.
John then contrasts Gaius sharply with a man named Diotrephes, “who loveth to have the preeminence,” a rare Greek term used only here in the entire New Testament, describing someone consumed with being first and in control. Diotrephes not only refuses to welcome traveling believers himself, but actively stops others in the church from doing so, and even spreads malicious gossip about John.
John encourages Gaius plainly not to imitate this kind of behavior, but to follow what is good instead, “for he that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” He commends another believer, Demetrius, whose good reputation is confirmed both by everyone who knows him and by the truth itself. The letter closes with John’s hope to visit soon and speak with Gaius face to face rather than continuing by letter.
Third John puts two very different kinds of leadership side by side in just a few short verses, one marked by generous hospitality and genuine humility, the other by controlling pride and self-promotion. John never hides his disappointment with Diotrephes, but he spends far more energy encouraging Gaius toward what is good. Third John reminds us that how we treat other believers, especially strangers who need welcome, reveals far more about our actual character than our words ever could.
Visit Us At: www.youtube.com/@BibleLifeBasics
Support Us On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/BibleLifeBasics