Greetings and Expression of Joy (3 John 1:1-4)

III JOHN

GREETINGS AND EXPRESSION OF JOY (3 JOHN 1:1-4): 

Apostle John starts the letter by writing, elder to the beloved Gaius, whom he loves in the truth. Apostle John addresses himself as the elder which symbolizes that He is in the leading position among the believers and of old age, while he wrote the letter. The letter has been addressed to Gaius who would have been a close associate for Apostle John, and he would have taught Gaius so many things. Gaius would be a genuine follower abiding in the truths of God and Apostle John acknowledged that he loves him in truth. Gaius is a common name among Greek people. Even Paul acknowledges Gaius in Romans 16:23 and 1Cor 1: 14. One of the Gaius was Paul’s companion, a Macedonian (Act 19: 29). One of the Gaius, of Derbe, accompanied Paul to Syria (Act 20:4). There is a probability that the recipient Gaius, of Apostle John could be one of them but there is a greater reason that the Gaius mentioned by Apostle John could have been guided by himself from the very beginning of Gaius’ spiritual life.

Apostle John starts his writings to Gaius by addressing him as beloved which shows the love and closeness the author had and expressed towards his recipient. He writes that he pray that all may go well with Gaius and that he may be in good health, as it goes well with his soul. Apostle John is concerned about his recipient and pleads for him before God for his well-being, not just for spiritual health but also physical health. Apostle John also writes the correlation of the need of having good health for being good in the metal state either emotionally or intellectually.

Apostle John further writes that he rejoice greatly when the brothers came and testified to Gaius’ truth, as indeed he is walking in the truth and the author has no greater joy then to hear that his children are walking in the truth. The Apostle doesn’t just say about Gaius’ walking in the truth but also acknowledges the testimony he had heard about him through the various fellow workers who would have been preachers, and who had come and talked about the truth of Gaius. Apostle John also expresses his joy and says how great it is when he heard that the people he had worked with are walking in the truth, following the valuable commandments of God, which is light and provides the right path of life.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      Who writes the letter to whom?

2.      What does the author say about Gaius?

3.      How the author address himself and his recipient? Why?

4.      What does the author pray for Gaius? Why?

5.      Why does the author pray that Gaius to be in good health?

6.      Why does Apostle John rejoice?

7.      What the author means by walking in the truth?

8.      What is the greater joy of the author?

9.      How we can walk in the truth?

10.  How we can be like Gaius or Apostle John?