The Second Epistle of John                                          2 John 1:8-13 [8] Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. [9] Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. [10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: [11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. [12] Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. [13] The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
See All...                                A Stand for Truth (Continued)

3. THE CLOSE OF THE EPISTLE (2 John 1:12-13 [12] Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. [13] The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
   See All...)
1. Many Things To Say (2 John 1:12Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
   See All...)
1. John has so many things he needs to put into his letter to the elect lady that he will not be able to write them with pen and ink.
2. John trusts that he will be able to come “face to face” with the elect lady.
2. Fullness of Joy (2 John 1:12Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
   See All...)
1. Fullness of joy is one of the benefits of the victorious Christian life. Scripture shows that this fullness of joy comes through our personal relationship with the Lord.
2. In Psalm 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
   See All..., we are told, “in thy presence is fullness of joy.”
3. Our joy is lacking even as Christians as long as we are not drawn close to the Lord. However, when we approach His presence and abide there, we come to know His joy in its full benefits.
4. John expects to find fullness of joy in his personal meeting with the elect lady. It is only in this face to face encounter that their joy can be complete.
5. However personal a letter might be, it is still no substitute for the real thing. As we enter the presence of the Lord, so we find His fullness of joy in us (Psalm 16:11Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
   See All...).
3. The Identity of the Children of the Elect Sister (2 John 1:13The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
   See All...)
1. All identities hinge on the identity of the elect lady (2 John 1:1The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
   See All...).
2. If she is a church congregation as some say, then her sister would be a sister church and the children would be members.
3. It is more likely that the elect lady is a Christian lady of some renown (though unknown by name to us).
4. In this case, her sister would be a biological sister and the sister’s children would be her nieces and/or nephews.
5. It seems that some of her sister’s children were with John and were therefore sending their greetings to their aunt.
4. Ending with an Amen (2 John 1:13The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
   See All...)
1. Of the 21 epistles in the New Testament (from Romans through Jude), 19 end with the last word being “Amen.”
2. The two exceptions are James and 3 John.
3. Amen means so be it.
4. It is a word of approval in many cases.
5. However, it is also a word of completion. Amen tells us that the message has been given and the correspondence is completed. It is now up to the recipient of the letter to do their part.

                        The Third Epistle of John                                     Introduction

1. THE STATISTICS
1. 1 Chapter, 14 Verses, 294 Words
2. 64th Book in the Bible, 25th Book in the New Testament
3. Other Statistics
1. Next to shortest book in the Bible by number of verses with 14
2. Shortest book in the Bible by word count with 294
3. Consider the connections with the number 7:
1. 3 John is the 28th chapter in the New Testament written by John: that is 4 times 7.
2. 3 John is the 7th chapter written by John as an epistle.
3. 3 John has 14 verses: that is 2 times 7.
4. The average number of words per verse is 21 (3 x 7; and this divides evenly).
5. The number of different words used (not counting the same word more than once) is 154 (22 x 7).
6. There are 3 verses (3 John l:4, 7, 8) with 14 words (2 x 7).
7. There are 2 verses (3 John 1:11Beloved, 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.
   See All..., 14) with 28 words (4 x 7).
8. That means that verse 7 has 14 words and verse 14 has 28 words.
9. The most prominent key word truth is used 6 times. However, the word true is used once, making a total of 7 times for the concept.
2. THE HUMAN AUTHOR
1. Still Unnamed
1. Never named in the Gospel of John
1. The disciple who leaned on Jesus’ breast (John 21:20-24 [20] Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? [21] Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? [22] Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. [23] Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? [24] This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
   See All...)
2. The disciple whom Jesus loved; often called the beloved disciple
1. At the Lord’s Supper (John 13:23-26 [23] Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. [24] Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. [25] He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? [26] Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
   See All...)
2. At the cross (John 19:26-27 [26] When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! [27] Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
   See All...)
3. At the tomb (John 20:1-8 [1] The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. [2] Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the LORD out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. [3] Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. [4] So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. [5] And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. [6] Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, [7] And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. [8] Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
   See All...)
4. On the fishing boat (John 21:3-7 [3] Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. [4] But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. [5] Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. [6] And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. [7] Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
   See All...)
2. Never named in the Epistles of John
1. Paul’s epistles all begin with his name except Hebrews.
1. It is interesting to note that Paul did not begin with his name in his epistle to the Hebrews.
2. Remember when Moses did not want to go deliver the children of Israel in his own name (Exodus 3:11-14 [11] And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? [12] And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. [13] And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? [14] And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
   See All...).
2. James’ epistle begins with his name.
3. Peter’s epistles begin with his name.
4. Jude’s epistle begins with his name.
2. His Life
1. His name John corresponds to the OT name Jonah and means a dove.
2. His parents were Zebedee and Salome (Luke 5:10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
   See All...; cp. Matthew 27:56Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.
   See All... with Mark 15:40There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
   See All...)
3. He was brother to James (Mark 1:19And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
   See All...) who died as a martyr early (Acts 12:1-2 [1] Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. [2] And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
   See All...).
4. He was a fisherman (Mark 1:19And when he had gone a little farther thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
   See All...).
5. Jesus named James and John “Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
   See All...).
6. He had been a disciple of John the Baptist (Acts 1:22-23 [22] Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. [23] And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
   See All...).
7. He was one of the inner circle of three (with James and Peter).
1. As a witness of the raising of the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:37And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.
   See All...)
2. As a witness of the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9 [1] And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, [2] And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. [3] And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. [4] Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. [5] While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. [6] And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. [7] And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. [8] And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. [9] And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
   See All...)
3. As an inquirer of the things to come (Mark 13:3-4 [3] And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, [4] Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
   See All...)
4. As a witness to the agonies of Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-34 [32] And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. [33] And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; [34] And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.
   See All...)
8. He was considered a pillar of the early church (Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
   See All...)
3. His Writings in the New Testament – compared to other human authors
1. In number
1. Paul – 100 chapters (38.5%) –this includes the 13 chapters of Hebrews
2. Luke – 52 chapters (20.0%) –Luke, Acts
3. John – 50 chapters (19.2%) –John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Revelation
4. Matthew – 28 chapters (10.8%)
5. Mark – 16 chapters (6.2%)
6. Peter – 8 chapters (3.1%)
7. James – 5 chapters (1.9%)
8. Jude – 1 chapter (0.4%)
2. In classifications
1. John wrote of the Holy Ghost’s provision for three categories of New Testament writings.
1. He will “bring all things to your remembrance” (John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
   See All...).
2. He will “teach you all things” (John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
   See All...) and will “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
   See All...).
3. He will “shew you things to come” (John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
   See All...).
2. This corresponds to the three major categories of writing in the New Testament:
1. Things brought to remembrance are books of History (Matthew through Acts).
2. The teaching of all things and guidance into all truth are the books called the Epistles (Romans through Jude).
3. The things to come would refer to the New Testament book of Prophecy (Revelation).
3. Of the New Testament authors, only John wrote major books in all three categories:
1. History – the Gospel of John
2. Teaching – the Epistles of John
3. Prophecy – the Book of Revelation
3. THE TIME OF AUTHORSHIP
1. Demonstrated by the Age of the Apostle
1. The age of the apostle during the ministry of our Lord
1. Though we are not given the specifics of the age of John, there are a few things that lead you to believe he was a young man.
2. When running to the tomb to see the absence of the body of Christ, John outran Simon Peter (John 20:4So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
   See All...).
2. The age of the apostle in the epistles of John
1. 2 John 1:1The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
   See All... – the elder
2. 3 John 1:1The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
   See All... – the elder
2. Demonstrated by the Writing Instruments
1. Writing with ink and pen
2. Similar phrasing to 2 John 1:12Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
   See All...
4. PURPOSE AND THEME
1. Purpose
1. John was sending some brethren to minister and had sent a letter to Diotrephes in the church where they were going.
2. Diotrephes had rejected the letter and the brethren (3 John 1:9-10 [9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. [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.
   See All...).
3. Gaius had a reputation for receiving the brethren and ministering to them (3 John 1:5-6 [5] Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; [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:
   See All...).
4. This letter is sent to encourage him to do so again.
2. Theme
1. This epistle deals with a specific problem: the reception and aid of the brethren who will be passing through as they go about their ministry.
2. In short, this epistle is about the importance of hospitality.
3. It is a blessed act of love when performed and wickedness when some refuse to do it.
5. THE DIVISION
1. The Testimony of Gaius (3 John 1:1-8 [1] The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. [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. [4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. [5] Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; [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: [7] Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. [8] We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
   See All...)
2. The Treachery of Diotrephes (3 John 1:9-11 [9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. [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. [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.
   See All...)
3. The Task of Demetrius (3 John 1:12-14 [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. [13] I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: [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.
   See All...)