The Third Epistle of John

Imitate What Is Good

by Bryan Gibson

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good…” (3 John 1:11). In this short epistle, three good examples are given, all worthy of our imitation.

John

He loved his brethren—“to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth” (v. 1). See also 2 John 1:1.

He prayed for his brethren—“I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (v. 2).

Nothing gave him greater joy than to see his brethren walking in truth—“I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you...I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (vv. 3-4).

He was willing to withstand those opposed to the truth, people like Diotrephes—“if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does” (vv. 9-10).

Gaius

He didn’t just know the truth; he walked in it—“just as you walk in the truth” (v 3).

He walked in love, showing hospitality to those who were traveling to preach the gospel (vv. 5-8). According to John, those whom Gaius had helped “have testified to your love before the church” (v. 6).

Because he was walking in truth and love, his soul was prospering (v. 2). John’s prayer for Gaius was that his prosperity in other areas would match the prosperity of his soul.

Demetrius

He had a good testimony from all, including the apostles (v. 12).

More importantly, he had a good testimony from the truth itself. His life was in harmony with the truth (v. 12).