Completed
Synopsis: This third epistle, written by the apostle John to a man named Gaius, praises Gaius for his faithfulness, service, and example to the brethren in contrast to a man named Diotrephes whose behavior and words are causing trouble in the Church.
Key Verse: “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.” Verse 11
Note: What is an epistle? Epistle is the English version of the Greek word, epistole, and it means a letter. All the Epistles in the New Testament are letters written to converted Christian believers. They were not written to unbelievers or the unsaved. As such, the Epistles are also written to converted Christian believers living today and to those living in the future. They are the Christians’ mail. Therefore, one cannot make a plan of salvation out of any statements written in these letters. The only plan of salvation provided in the New Testament is in Acts chapter 2 where the Apostle Peter answered the question, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” and Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” That is God’s method or plan of salvation. Any thing else written in the Epistles is to people who have already done what Peter commanded in Acts chapter 2 and is simply a confirmation of their faith.