Study From the Book of  the Third John,1

                Study From the Book of the Third John,1

Today is the first part of this series as we start with the introduction.

The apostle John wrote this letter in response to one struggle within a local church:  One of the leader called Diotrephes had asserted control over the congregation to such an extend that he was prohibiting representatives of other churches from ministering to his congregation. Worst more, he began driving away   members of his own church who dared to help the representatives after he had refused to accept them. Diotrephes’ actions violated Christ’s command to love one another. Faithful members of the church community were being hurt by Diotrephes’ attitude.

In the meantime, the letter’s recipient. Gaius needed encouragement and Demetrius needed support.

Author:  apostle John

Date: after the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D 70

Place: in Ephesus    

Structure:

Opening greeting to Gaius: verses 1-4

Gaius' support to fellow believers: verses 5-8

Diotrephes’ opposition: verses : 9-11

Endorsement of Demetrice: verse 12

Closing greeting: verses 13,14