3 John
The Orthodox perspective views the Third Epistle of John as a practical letter emphasizing hospitality and confronting a church leader named Diotrephes for his pride and refusal to support traveling missionaries. The letter, written by "the elder" (often identified with the Apostle John), highlights the importance of supporting missionaries who spread the Gospel and warns against divisive behavior that puts self-interest above the needs of the community.
Hospitality: The epistle strongly advocates for showing hospitality to traveling missionaries who are spreading the Christian faith. This act is seen as a way of participating in the work of God.
Support for missionaries: The letter serves as a commendation of Gaius for supporting these missionaries and a request for his continued support. It also provides a recommendation for Demetrius, another faithful worker.
Confronting divisive leadership: The text directly addresses the disruptive actions of Diotrephes, a proud church leader who refused hospitality and spoke against others. This serves as a model for confronting arrogance and exclusionary leadership within the church.
Church authority and community: It provides insight into the personal and flexible nature of authority in the early church, which was based on personal relationships and the confirmation of a person's faith and actions.
Contrasting behaviors: The letter contrasts Gaius's loving and supportive actions with Diotrephes's divisive and selfish behavior, showing the negative impact of the latter on the community.
Practical application of faith: Unlike more overtly theological works like the Gospel of John, the Third Epistle focuses on the practical application of Christian virtues like love and support within the daily life of the church community.
Title - Thesis | Scroll | Short Description | Synthesis 2nd Temple | Antithesis | Synthesis Apostolic | Synthesis Amoraim | Continent Origin | Southern Worldview | Northern Worldview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 John | Scroll 108 | Missionaries and Communal Authority | Third Epistle of John | Γ΄ Ιωάννη | Didactic | NA | Asia | General Epistle | Catholic Epistle |
Category Reference Guide
Title/Thesis - The name of the book in American English
Synthesis 2nd Temple - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from 2nd temple Judaism up to the 1st century
Antithesis - The name of the book in another language
Synthesis Apostolic - The identity of the book in order of its presentation according to Tradition in the church after the 3rd century
Synthesis Amoraim - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from Tannaim up to the 5th century
Continent Origin - Continent from where the Text Type Source comes from
Southern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. South means Africa or Egypt (Alexandrian) such as LXX. South of Palestine.
Northern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. North means Asia or Persia (Babylonian) such as Masoretic. North of Palestine.
Here are additional resources for those who want to continue learning and exploring:
Link to some reference to feasts and disciplines (instructions)