WRITER, The Apostle John.

ADDRESSED, To Gaius # 3Jo 1:1

KEY NOTE. Christian hospitality.

KEY VERSE
# 3Jo 1:8

SYNOPSIS. The subject-matter centres around three characters, Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius, and some itinerant evangelists.

I. Gaius, to whom the epistle was written.

(1) The identity of this man.
This cannot be positively determined. There are several persons by this name mentioned in the New Testament. The one spoken of by Paul, # Ro 16:23 may very likely be the same man to whom John writes but it is entirely uncertain.

(2) Characteristics of,
(a) Worthy of the affection of John # 3Jo 1:1,2
(b) A consistent Christian, walking in the truth # 3Jo 1:3,4
(c) Given to hospitality  # 3Jo 1:5,6

II. Diotrephes, apparently a leading man in the church.
(a) Ambitious and bigoted # 3Jo 1:9
(b) Assuming to be an over-lord of the vineyard, will receive a merited rebuke from the       apostle when he comes # 3Jo 1:10

III. Demetrius, In contrast to Diotrephes, a model churchman of excellent reputation. # 3Jo 1:12

IV. Christian evangelists.
(a) Itinerant spiritual labourers, rendering gratuitous service for Christ’s sake # 3Jo 1:7
(b) Worthy of hearty welcome and hospitality although bitterly opposed by the arrogant          Diotrephes #  3Jo 1:8-11

V. The closing salutation.
# 3Jo 1:13,14