Newspapers / The Journal-Patriot (North Wilkesboro, … / Dec. 4, 1947, edition 1 / Page 3
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Sunday School -jjgjjgjgjjjjj" pECEMBER 7, 1M7 By Dr. Paul Caudill Lesson TOPIC: "CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Scripture Lesson: 3 John "Third John is addressed to an individual," says Dr. A. t. Robertson, and "not to a Church, though which Gaius we do not know." Paul had three friends by the name of Gaius: Galus of Corinth (1 Cor. 1:14), Gaius of Macedonia (Acts 19: 29), and Gaius of Derbe (Acts 20:4). It would be going too far, however, to say Gaius of 3 John is either of these, for we have no way of knowing with! certainty that such a position la correct. Three persons are "sharply sketched" In 3 John, namely, Gains, Diotrephes, and Demetrius. Sy looking at the brief character sketch of the lives of these three persons one gains a rather vivid picture of the life and missionary work of the early church. A Dependable Layman Gains has been called "the dependable layman." It is to him that the elderly John addresses the third Epistle as, with an eagle eye, he surveys the work in Asia Minor: "The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth" (3 John 1). The character of the salutation indicates the place Galus enjoyed in the affections of John. The words "whom I love In truth" could hardly have been used of one who failed to enjoy the full confidence of John. The salutation that follows (v. 2) proclaims in further measure Jphn's tender concern for the welfare of Galus: "Beloved, I pray that in all things thou may est prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." But John's concern for Galus I is seasoned with righteousness.! He deires that Gaius shall prosper and be in health even as his soul prospers. In other words, John wants Galus to have a well balanced development—a well TO THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPER 4 • . I For many years we have handled only nationally known Electrical Appli- ' ances and Supplies. PHILCO Radios, Refrigerators RCA Radios THOR Washers, Ironers % m G-E Irons, Heaters, Mixers, Etc. EUREKA Sweepers HOOVER Sweepers Our Long Experience In the Electrical Business Is Your Assurance of A Sound Product RALPH DUNCAN Dealer In Electrical Supplies Since 1914 Electrical Contractor — Electrical Appliances Telephone 301 216 Ninth Street ■ 1 ... - .. —-— rounded life. As one glances through the ancient letters recorded In the papyri, of the first, second and third centuries A. D. he frequently comes across this same concern for the physical health of the recipient of the letter. But one does not find the same concern for "soul" welfare. This was a new doctrine that stemmed from the gospel of Christ. Gains was a man who walked in the truth (v. 3). Moreover, he was faithful in all of his relationship with his brethren as well as in his relationship with those who were mere strangers (y. 6). If one's Christianity is not powerful enough to make him Christian in his dealings with his fellow man he has a bad brand of Christianity. Jojjn rejoices in the fact that Galus and others have been "fellow helpers to the truth." They had manifested a spirit of true charity toward the journeying brethren who had paused in their midst. These brethren, sometimes "strangers," had gone forth "for His man's sake . . . taking nothing of the Gentiles." John placed his stamp of approval on the charitable acts of Gaius and his brethren in thus setting forward on their journey the etranger8 who had come in the name of Christ. A Dominating Official Dr. A. T. Robertson calls Diotrephes "the dominating official." That is perhaps an excellent characterization of him in 'the light of John's words: "I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Dlotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not." Evidently Dlotrephes was one of these individuals who desire "to rule or ruin." John goes on to declare, "Therefore, if I come I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forblddeth and casteth them out of the church" (v. 10). Dlotrephes' words were not simply "foolish chatter, but malevolent words" (Robertson). Such wickedness on the part of Dlotrephes did not go well with the Apostle John. Neither was the aged Apostle afraid of Diotrephes (Robertson), for he pointedly defied him. Such accusations, in John's sight, needed a public rebuke. Perhaps in our churches today we deal too gently with those whose deeds and acts do not manifest love, for the brethren. It is possible Jar us to be too patient with trouble makers and yield too often to those who have not so much the cause of Christ at heart as their own prominence. This short Epistle ought to be Tead often and taught fully to every congregation in the land. It would doubtless serve to cause many a selfish soul to see and rightly appraise his evil deeds and thereby promote a greater spirit of love among all the brethren. A Kindly Messenger Demetrius has been termed ■"the kindly messenger,", and that seems to us a fitting designation for him. "Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also ibear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true" (v. 12). We know nothing pore about Demetrius than what is contained here in John's brief word concerning him* unless Demetrius should be identified with Demas as a shortened form (Philemon 24; Oolosians 4:4; 2 Timothy 4:10), "who has oome back after his desertion or with the Ephesian silversmith (Acts 19: 21) who may have been converted under John's ministry, which one would like to believe, though there is no evidence for it"' (Robertson). At any rate the message of Demetrius was a good meesage and it was full of truth. There were no malicious words In his report, neither is there any evidence that he was concerned with "preeminence" for self. It is refreshing* indeed to have In one's midst such a person as Demetrius. He is a tonic for the soul. ^
The Journal-Patriot (North Wilkesboro, N.C.)
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Dec. 4, 1947, edition 1
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