As unto the Second Epistle of the Apostle John, Third John is also directed at a narrow audience. In this case, unto “the well-beloved Gaius”. This letter serves as encouragement and praise to those who walk in truth and love, and receive and aid the spreading of the Gospel of YAHUSHUA ha MASHIACH.

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Verse 2 itself goes to show that it is Abba YAHUVEH’s will that we prosper. Followers of YAHUSHUA are not be poor. Some, YAH has richly blessed and exalted so that they may contribute to the work of the Kingdom financially. Some are appointed to the work of YAH full time – even for those, HE has appointed men and woman to keep them that they lack not.

The good works of this individual Gaius have been reported to the Apostle John (3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.) – “4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

We’ve learned that faith without works, and even love, if not backed up by works is dead. Likewise we see here: The brethren testified of the truth that is in him; verse 4 explains that this man Gaius walked in the truth. The truth in him was manifest through his works (his walk in the truth).

And again: “5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;”. And these brethren and strangers have born witness of this Gaius’ love before the church. The brethren, or fellow belivers. But the stranger? – could it be that the love that Gaius has shown unto non-believers has drawn them into the church to testify? I think so.

The Apostle writes of the ministers and evangelist who work to spread the Gospel “.. whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7 Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”

In other words, Help spread the Gospel by helping those who spread the Gospel, and if we are fellow helpers to the truth, then we know that are rewards are waiting in Heaven. For our Master spoke In Matthew 10:40-42:

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

In Second John we learned that those who bid “God-speed” (bless) the works of false teachers are partakers of their evil. Likewise those who bless, support and aid in the work of true men of YAHUVEH will be blessed.

The Apostle now writes of an individual in the church who resists the work of GOD: Diotrephes.

9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

“11 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.” By the works of this man, we know him. We see his fruit – and it is not good. Yes, he is in the Church, but he does not belong to YAHUSHUA.

Demetrius, another member of the Church is spoken well of by all men. Ye, even of the truth itself (the Word? YAHUSHUA?) and by the Apostle John.

I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Amen.