1 John Introduction

John addresses assurance with both an objective and a subjective apologetic. Objectively, believers know the historicity and reality of Jesus Christ’s life and work. The events of his life were observed by eyewitnesses and passed on (1:1-3). Similarly, those who have trusted God’s Son possess eternal life (5:12). Subjectively, Christians know that their lives have been transformed through faith in Christ (5:13).

Second John is the second shortest book in the New Testament. It is only 245 words in the Greek text, and it would easily fit on a single piece of papyrus. Today we might call it (and 3Jn) a “postcard epistle.” It is an excellent example of hortatory (or exhortation) discourse. The “elect lady,” most likely a reference to a local church, must continue to walk in the truth, love one another, and be on guard against false teachers (the deceiver and the antichrist of v. 7). They must not extend hospitality to those who deny “the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh” (v. 7).

John builds this epistle around key words that tie the letter together. He utilizes a very rare word, “antichrist,” which appears in Scripture only in 1 and 2 John (1Jn 2:18,22; 4:3; 2Jn 7), as a term describing false teachers.

John tells his children to: (1) walk in the truth, (2) obey the commandments, (3) love one another, and (4) guard the teachings of Christ and they will not be deceived by the antichrist. The spiritual safety of the believing community is confidently affirmed, as John begins and ends his letter with a reference to their chosen position (vv. 1,13).

Third John is the shortest book in both the New Testament and the Bible. It is only 219 words in the Greek text. It and 2 John are rightly described as “twin epistles,” though they are rightly viewed as fraternal and not identical.

Third John is a personal letter that revolves around three individuals: Gaius (the recipient), Diotrephes (the troubler), and Demetrius (probably the bearer of the letter). It contains a word of exhortation to Gaius encouraging him not to imitate the bad example of Diotrephes but to continue the good work he is doing of receiving and supporting the traveling teachers/missionaries.

The elder is understandably concerned that his authority is being challenged. He fears the power play of Diotrephes may succeed and that others might be influenced by him. He will come if necessary for a face-to-face meeting where he will personally deal with the situation. In the meantime, John seeks to enlist the support of Gaius. He praises him for his past performance and encourages him to keep it up. Demetrius comes to Gaius both as the bearer of the letter and as a reinforcement in the crisis. Third John provides insight into a personality conflict that arose at the end of the first century and the strategy adopted by the elder to resolve it.