Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Why Does John Recommend Demetrius in 3 John 12?
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
Following Faithful Examples: What 3 John 11–15 Teaches About Christlike Character
How to Use This Commentary Third John closes by shifting our attention from a negative example to a positive one. After warning the church about the pride of Diotrephes, John encourages believers to imitate a faithful man named Demetrius. In doing so, he reminds us that the Christian life is learned not only through biblical... Continue Reading →
Who was Demetrius in the Bible?
Who Was Demetrius in the Bible? Two Men, Two Very Different Legacies Series: People of the Bible Primary texts: Acts 19:23–41; 3 John 11–12 This post is written in three tiers so you can read at your pace: (1) Quick Look, (2) Simple Explanation, (3) Deep Dive. Key to watch: The New Testament mentions two... Continue Reading →
Why Was Hospitality So Important to the Early Church?
Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
3 John 1-8: Walking In Truth
How to Use This Commentary Third John is the shortest book in the New Testament by word count, yet it provides a powerful picture of what healthy Christianity looks like. Rather than addressing false doctrine directly, John highlights three individuals whose lives demonstrate three very different responses to the truth. Gaius faithfully walks in the... Continue Reading →
When Pride Takes Root: What 3 John 9–10 Teaches About Humble Leadership
How to Use This Commentary Third John is a deeply personal letter, but it also addresses timeless issues every church eventually faces. After celebrating the faithful example of Gaius (3 John 1–8), John turns to a very different example. A man named Diotrephes desired influence more than faithfulness, authority more than service, and recognition more... Continue Reading →
Who was Diotrephes in the Bible?
Who Was Diotrephes in the Bible? The Man Who Loved to Be First Series: People of the Bible Primary text: 3 John 9–11 This post is written in three tiers so you can read at your pace: (1) Quick Look, (2) Simple Explanation, (3) Deep Dive. Key to watch: Diotrephes appears in only two verses... Continue Reading →
Who was John the elder in the Bible?
Who Is John the Elder in the Bible? Why the Apostle John Used This Title Series: People of the Bible Primary texts: 2 John 1; 3 John 1 This post is written in three tiers so you can read at your pace: (1) Quick Look, (2) Simple Explanation, (3) Deep Dive. Key to watch: "The... Continue Reading →
Who was Gaius in the Bible?
Who Was Gaius in the Bible? The Faithful Friend Who Supported Gospel Mission Series: People of the Bible Primary texts: 3 John, Acts 19:29, Acts 20:4, Romans 16:23, 1 Corinthians 1:14 This post is written in three tiers so you can read at your pace: (1) Quick Look, (2) Simple Explanation, (3) Deep Dive. Key... Continue Reading →