Professor John’s Historical Note to a Brother in Christ
Introduction:
Professor John writes a note to a brother, who is in a difficult congregation that has a very wrong leader (likely an elder or evangelist). This brother exhibits the correct actions of a saint toward others that are in opposition to the false leader. He is exhorted to continue and that soon Professor John will come to assist with the problem. There is no mention of beginning a new congregation.
Date: A.D. 85ish
Text:
(1st) The Elder [the older one or last one] to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the Truth. Beloved, I pray that in everything you may be prosperous, and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. {2}
(2nd) I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came, and testified of you in the Truth, as you are walking in the Truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth.
Beloved, you are faithful in whatever way you are working for the brothers, and in the same way, for strangers. They have testified before the congregation about your love. You will do well to help them on their way, worthily of God, for they went out for the sake of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We, therefore. are obligated to welcome such as these, that we might be fellow workers in the Truth. {8}
(3rd) I wrote something to the congregation, but more so, Diotrephes, whose affection is to have first place among them, does not approve of [assent to] us. So, as I come [x], I will remember his works, which he continues to practice, and his slandering us with wicked words. Not satisfied with these things, he does not approve of the brothers, and forbids those who want to receive them, and expels them [that do] from the congregation. Beloved, you must not imitate the evil, but more so, the good. He who does good is from God, but he who does evil has not seen [beheld] God. {11}
(4th) Demetrius is well reported of by all, and by the Truth itself; and we also testify, and you know our testimony is true.
I had many things to write to you, but more so, I do not wish to write with ink and pen. However, I hope to see you right away, and we shall speak face to face.
Peace to you. The friends greet you. You must greet the friends by name.