The elder said to Gaius, "Beloved one [agapete], do not imitate the bad." Any exclusion of members of the Body from fellowshipping with the whole Body of Christ is bad. It is not perceiving God.
3 John: Hierarchy’s Harm
Over the centuries, beginning with Ignatius’ letters in the second century, this crucial aspect of the church gave way to the surrounding culture, so that one of Christianity’s distinctives was eroded to mere words, tucked away here and there among the gospels and epistles.
Share this:
3 John: Lord It Over
Much harm has come to the church because of this hard stop put upon the organic growth of the Body of Christ, which had been meant to be nonhierarchical in its life.
Share this:
3 John: Gaius the Beloved
John was particularly thankful for Gaius, for there was a serious matter John would need someone like Gaius to handle—a matter that was threatening to tear the church apart, and had little to do with Gnosticism.
Share this:
2 John: Keep in Step With Christ
John’s message is particularly relevant today, as we also try to navigate increasingly treacherous times for Christians, seeking to embrace each other in love while also protecting those whom God has placed in our care from being deceived.
Share this:
2 John: Remember Christ’s Command
Apostle John, speaking as an elder to the lady, his coworker in Christ, reminded her of the paramount commandment they had received from Jesus: Agape one another, for this is our signature as those who walk in the light, who live in truth, who have put our faith in Christ, who have received the Spirit of God.
Share this:
2 John: The Elder and the Lady
Though 2 John is not a long letter—thirteen verses in all—it is both theologically rich, and a window into how John pastored the believers in his care. This letter also carries one or two surprises
Share this:
2 John: An Introduction
With many thanks to a really wonderful resource on YouTube called “The Bible Project,” we will begin the study of 2 John with an overview of 1, 2, and 3 John.
Share this:
1 John 5: The One True God
Fellowship with God and assurance of eternal life is guaranteed only through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Share this:
1 John 5: Overcome Darkness
John provides three impeccable witness to confirm the truth those who put their faith in Jesus can overcome the darkness of the world and its systems.
