Catholic Commentary on 3 John 1

"Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." (3 John 1:11)

Hospitality, Pride, and the Good

Third John, also thirteen verses, is the most personal of John's letters, addressed to a named individual, Gaius, commending him for his hospitality to travelling missionaries and his faithfulness to the truth. The Elder prays that Gaius may enjoy good health even as his soul is getting along well. He rejoices greatly that Gaius walks in the truth. The missionaries he has supported have told the church about his love, and they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting no help from the pagans. The community therefore ought to show hospitality to such people so that they may work together for the truth.

In contrast, Diotrephes, who loves to be first, refuses to welcome the Elder's representatives. He is gossiping maliciously about them and expelling from the church anyone who wants to show hospitality. Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. Demetrius, on the other hand, is well spoken of by everyone and by the truth itself. The contrast between Gaius who walks in truth and shows hospitality, Diotrephes who loves pre-eminence and excludes the faithful, and Demetrius who is commended by truth itself, gives the tiny letter the character of a practical theology of community life. The Catechism's teaching on humility and the dangers of pride finds a concrete illustration in Diotrephes (CCC 2540).

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. The instruction is as simple as it is demanding. Look around your community for the Gaiuses: the quiet ones who show hospitality, who give generously without seeking recognition, who walk in the truth with no need of applause. Imitate them. Avoid the spirit of Diotrephes, who loves to be first. Greatness in the Kingdom looks like Gaius, not Diotrephes.

Prayer

Lord God, let us walk in truth as Gaius walked. Give us the grace of hospitality and the humility that does not need to be first. May our souls be as healthy as our bodies, and let truth itself commend us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

3 John
1
A Greeting from the Elder
(2 John 1:1–3)
1 The elder,
 
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
 
2 Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers. 3 For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Gaius Commended for Hospitality
 
5 Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. 6 They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Diotrephes and Demetrius
 
9 I have written to the church about this,* 1:9 Literally I have written something to the church but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. 10 So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.
 
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
 
12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Conclusion
(2 John 1:12–13)
 
13 I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink. 14 Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face.† 1:14 Literally and we will speak mouth to mouth; some translators begin a new verse (15) after face to face.
 
Peace to you.
 
The friends here send you greetings.
 
Greet each of our friends there by name.

*1:9 1:9 Literally I have written something to the church

†1:14 1:14 Literally and we will speak mouth to mouth; some translators begin a new verse (15) after face to face.

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