3 John 1:11 - Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
John says, beloved, follow not that which is evil. The word follow is this word for mime, MIMETAI, which I have shared with you before. In Greek theater, a person would come out in a costume and a painted face and would act out a message. Paul picks this up from a theatrical language and applies it to the believer as far as representing the word expression, so that Paul would say in 1 Corinthians 11:1, imitate me as I imitate Christ.
It doesn't mean copy. That's not what he's talking about. MIME means the expression of Christ. That's why Paul says, be the expression of me, as I am in Christ. Do you see Christ through me? Do you see Christ live through me? Do you see Christ express Himself through me? Let it be the same expression in your life!
He says, do not express that which is evil, but that which is good. And the word good is not good in the human, but good spiritually. It is the word AGATHOS. God is good! Someone came to Jesus, and they said good teacher, and Jesus said wait a minute, before I answer your question, why did you call me good teacher? Because there's only one that's good (AGATHOS), and that's God.
Jesus used the word AGATHOS. There's only one that is AGATHOS in the whole universe, and that's God. So, he was pointing out to him that you just called me God. Do you realize that? Now I'll answer your question for you.
He that does good, literally, the one who is practicing the good, is from out of God: but he that practices evil has not even seen God. And again, we're not talking about good and evil from a human standpoint. We're talking about the good of God that's produced by His Spirit. Diotrephes was displaying that he was not from God.
This is all I have for 3 John. I will be going through Jude next which is another short book and should go fairly quick!
3 John 1:10 - Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he is doing, prating, or braiding against us with malicious words: Literally, evil words. Not just bad words, but evil words (PONEROS). And he's not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren, the ones that come from out of town, especially from John.
And forbids them that would, that is, have a desire to receive them, and he casts them out of the church if they do. Someone once said every church has a Diotrephes. But John says you have to watch out. These types of leaders are in the church. John says that if I can make it over there, and remember he's in his 90's, but he says I'm going to deal with him!
3 John 1:7 - Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
It says, "Because that for his name's sake," but literally in the Greek text, it's on account of (the name). And you might even hear that phrase in and amongst Jewish people today, HASHEM. As you might know, the Orthodox Jews do not say the name God. And when they write the name God, it will be G-D, so that they're not even writing the word.
They will call God ADONAI. They will not call Him by His name YAHWEH. They will call Him ADONAI which means Lord. What is happening now is that more and more of them are calling God HASHEM, which means The Name. And when they say HASHEM, everybody knows what they're making reference to.
Because of the name sake, these travelers went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
3 John 1:9 - I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
We just saw the commendation of Gaius. Now in Verses 9 and 10, we see the Condemnation of Diotrephes. It's interesting that his name, DIOS, which was the word for the Greek god Zeus. That was the main god. And TROPHE means to nourish. They named him "nourished by Zeus." You can tell by his name that everywhere that he went, he expected to be put in charge, having the special blessing upon him.
But John says in Verse 9, I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence, literally the first place among them, receives us not.
3 John 1:3 - For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
Walkest, or walking is a biblical term that represents a person's conduct or lifestyle. All day long, we're walking. We're taking steps. It denotes our direction. It denotes how we conduct our lives. It's not just knowing the truth, but walking in the truth!
3 John 1:6 - Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
But he says these brethren, and these strangers have born witness of your charity, that's AGAPE love, before the church: They got up and gave a testimony of this man, and of the love and the truth that is in this man's life. Whom if you bring forward, that is, these people, on their journey after a godly sort, you shall do well:
So, he's encouraging him to bring in these brothers and these strangers who have a good testimony about him, but he says it's important what you do. That is, not only do you house them, but you send them on their way with the things that they are going to need for their traveling, and for their trip.
Now here's the literal translation: even as your soul is prospering.
The tense of the verb in that last phrase tells you that he is prospering in his soul. But he's praying for his circumstances and his health to hold up, to support the good that he's already doing in the Spirit realm for Christ. So, it's not a health and wealth gospel thing. It's John saying that God's people have been so blessed by your hospitality, and I can only pray that your journey and your health will hold up so that you can continue to minister to God's people.
It's just the opposite of how the "health and wealth" people take this verse. His soul is already prospering. He's praying his journey and his health, that it would hold up, as his soul is already prospering.
3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
He says, beloved, again the word AGAPE, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. This verse alone has been taken out of context, and it has been a springboard for the "health and wealth" teachings, that your physical circumstances act as a barometer as to your spiritual condition.
That is to say, that if you are sick, or if you're in hard difficult circumstances, that means that you have sinned, and you need to repent and get yourself right with God, because John prayed "Above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
They are making the connection there that the material realm displays your spiritual condition, because God wants you to be healthy, and God wants you to be wealthy. So, if you're not healthy and wealthy, then you're sinning against God and being disobedient.
Well, as you could imagine, that's not what the verse says! He says I wish. In fact, that's the word for prayer. I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper. The word prosper is not associated with material gain, such as money or material objects. It means to have a good journey. And that you be in health. This is where we get our word hygiene from. That you be sound, wholesome, and your health holds up.
God's love in John was directed towards Gaius. And you can understand why, if indeed he has been kicked out of his church because he showed genuine hospitality to the traveling Christians. And the testimony of him said that he took care of you if you stayed at his place. He was genuinely generous and hospitable.
So, you can understand why John would write him a letter and say to the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in truth, just like he said in 2 John. And again, John's emphasis is that love and truth are inseparable. When I say love, I mean AGAPE love. There are other forms of love that we're all familiar with. But God's love is not separated from the truth. You cannot compromise with love for the truth, and you also cannot with truth for love. You just can't do it. They go hand in hand.
So, when I take into consideration that if I tell the truth to the people around me, that they are going to reject me, so I will not tell them, that's not love, that's compromise! But we sometimes cannot come to the point where we can accept the fact that God would put us in a position that if we obeyed Him, somebody's feelings might get hurt, or somebody might get angry.
This letter was written to instruct the church about the responsibilities of genuine hospitality.
3 John 1:1 - The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
He says, the elder (PRESBUTEROS), which is where we get our word Presbyterian from. But PRESBUS means an older person, an elderly person. And it was used to designate both age and position. I would emphasize to you that an elder in the church is somebody who is older in the Lord.
There are church committees that vote in new elders, and some of the elders who get voted in are new believers. In one religious group, there are elders who are 16 years of age. It's like "Hey, you want to take a shot at it for a year? Okay, you're in."
That is not what the scriptures teach about elders. We know from 1 Timothy Chapter 3, all of the maturity and the standing testimony that a person must have in order to be an elder, and even a deacon. But an elder is somebody who is older. John is both. He is an elder in age because he's probably in his 90's at this point. I believe there's a document that tells us that he died at about 98 years of age.
And he's also an elder in the church. He is the last surviving apostle in the church. All he says is the elder. And everybody knows who the elder is. There's only one left of the group. So, the elder, unto the wellbeloved Gaius, and wellbeloved is the word AGAPE in adjective form. This is to Gaius, the beloved brother. And beloved has to do with being the object of God's love.
"And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, "
The Spirit creates a spiritual space a Garden where every tree is grown with a specific purpose. This is is harmony with the blessings of God, and we read in this epistle that divine blessings cover total man,- body spirit and soul of man. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."( 3 John 1:2) Only Spirit of God can address soul since He made man a living soul.
He creates the spirit as a candle (Pr.20:27). Above all the word is like a surgeon's scalpels lays bare his thoughts inclinations and state of being. "and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart./ Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." He.4:12-13) How can not a man prosper with His blessings? His mercy works with the spiritual space of man like a threefold cord and he is secure. No wonder one can read the Bible through his lifetime and find comfort and consolation,- and his Presence is cure for all.
Not so with literary space. The hucksters who create a best seller list wants profits so they ratchet up a media frenzy to draw in suckers who after reading would want another one to cater to his inflamed senses. The writers who have no integrity immediately set to cater to the public tase and are feted as a nine day wonder. Publication of Ulysses and Lady Chatterly's Love in their day created an uproar. But now bestiality and violence create readers who crave more titillation. What gives?
You state: "I think there is a difference between trying to obey the commandments and believing that we need to obey them in order to be acceptable to God." Jesus doesn't agree with you Jema, and He is telling you that we must do this to be acceptable - to Him. I previously gave you the verse below spoken by Jesus, He is telling us point blank:
Revelation 22:14"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Jesus leaves no wiggle room in the above verse. Hebrews 4:12 False teachers are very prevalent today, they are out amongst us, they believe and teach others that they can ignore tons of scripture like this regarding the commandments and sin. They live worldly lives almost indistinguishable from the secular/atheists. They try to convince themselves, and others that they can have this world and still receive salvation. Jude 1:10
Jema, I remember FrankieJ previously gave you some good spiritual advice, I will also. We must withdraw from the world. Put God first, including His Commands/Commandments.
Stop telling yourself and others that you can NEVER stop sinning. If you have God's Holy Spirit anything is possible! Have Faith! Believe!!!
Encourage yourself and others to stop sinning. Similar to alcohol and drugs, Sin is a Addiction. If you don't acknowledge it - it will control you and ultimately bring you to destruction.
3 John 1:11 "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."
And please remember if you want God to dwell in you: 1 John 3:24 "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
Six things determined upon Daniel's people and the holy city.
Part 3
To make an end of sins.
To make an end; as put an end to/make an end to, affix a seal, to seal up, a document is rolled up and sealed with wet clay. The signet ring of the owner bears the image of his seal and is pressed into the clay. This is what was done by the Holy Spirit, 2 Cor. 1:22Eph. 1:132 Tim. 2:19.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Sin reaches for things, such as safety, knowledge, peace, happiness, and pleasure. Nevertheless, behind the act of good, sin ultimately creates a confrontation between obedience and rebellion. If not in faith, it is sin.
The covering of our sins was accomplished on the cross at Calvary. When he said IT IS FINISHED, he provided us with the garments (wedding garments) to cover our sins. Sin has not completely stopped yet but it is covered by the blood of Jesus and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
This passage points toward the Messiah who died because of our sins. In Jesus's death, punishment for our sins is paid for. Jesus's death we are dead to sin. Walking in the Spirit meant that we are trusting in Christ by faith to be made right before God, and not trusting in the law.
Whenever Paul speaks about walking after the flesh, it is in the context of trying to be made right before God by the law, which is equivalent to self-righteousness. I believe the prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and if we are in Jesus Christ, it is fulfilled for us. Praise God that Jesus Christ made an end of sins! As Jesus said from the cross, "It is finished!"
I do agree with brother Chris' answer. They were "out of towners" so to speak.
We also see the word strangers used in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, and also in 3 John 1:5 which says, beloved, you do faithfully whatsoever you are doing to the brethren, and to strangers;
Now strangers in the New Testament, they are strange only in that they are unknown to the person that's being hospitable to them. They are strangers in that they are from out of town.
In other words, Gaius didn't ride his rickshaw down by the freeway and pick up strangers hitchhiking. These are strangers or visitors from out of town that were Christians who were traveling in the Lord's work.
And it says the brethren and the strangers. So he even helped the brothers there in the town that he was in.
In Hebrews 13:2, strangers had to do with Christians who were traveling through town, those involved in the Lord's work, who were in town. The inns or hotels were usually full. But even if they weren't, it was a place of prostitution and drinking.
And so when believers came into town, they would inquire if there were other believers in that town that had a room that was vacant.
And that's what this is making reference to. The strangers are people who are foreigners in the city that they're in.
It says, "For thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
In Genesis Chapters 18 and 19, first with Abraham, and then with Lot, they entertained angels unawares. They were not aware of it. And so some people might have an angel in their house and not even know it.
Thanks brother for that useful short Greek lesson. When you wrote "Ancient greek - Dee-oh-treh-feh(long)s", it seems that what Strong's has shown is very similar - so maybe this ancient Greek is what's being used.
And then you mentioned, "Modern greek - Thee-oh-treh-fee(short)s, stressed in the last syllable." This was interesting, because in Hindi/Urdu, we have the 'heavy D' (the tongue dropping from the roof of the mouth) and the 'soft D' (tongue between the teeth). And then we get the 'aspirated D' (heavy D with air expelled). So I can appreciate that in Greek also, there are similar variations to alphabetical sounds.
As for German, I did a year's study while at school. Was able to read it fairly well, but got only a little further than, 'ich bin, du bist, er ist, etc. etc.' Languages are wonderful - wish I had the gift to acquire them more easily & fully. Thanks again for taking the time to help us appreciate your wonderful language, that of the NT.
But then again, even if I get the vowel sounds correct, knowing which syllable to stress is another matter. But at least I can get a closer pronunciation with your good information.
Sory for my delayed reply but I was not able to respond so far.
Firstly you don't have to pronounce those names like greeks do, I am sure the English way is enough.
But just for the sake of the conversation. Well some tips tips about greek pronunciation, we are going to need them.
Vowels: "a" is pronounced as "ah", "i" as "ee"(short), "o" as "oh" , "e", this letter is used in Engl. to represant two different grk. letters 1. a letter called "epsilon" which is pronounced as "eh" and 2. a letter called "eta" which is pronounced as a long "eh" (ancient grk) or as "ee"(modern grk), "u" as "oo"(anc grk) or "ee"(mod. grk), "ou" as "oh-oo"(anc. grk) or "oo" (mod.grk).
Syllables: Syllabes in greek are of the form consonant(or double/triple cons.)-vowel, a single vowel, very few times as cons-vowel-cons(usually at the end of the word) and rarely vowel-cons.(most often at the end).
Consonants. With the letter "d" the grk letter "Delta" is represented. Delta is pron. as "d"(anc.grk) or "th"(mod. grk) like in the word "the"
So lets try it: (I am writting the vowels as pronounced).
Ancient greek- Dee-oh-treh-feh(long)s
Modern greek- Thee-oh-treh-fee(short)s, stressed in the last syllable.
Lets try another one"
"Pantokrator Theos", greek for ""Almighty God"
Tip: the combinaion "nt" is pronounced as "d" in mod. grk.
So, it is "Pah-doh-krah-tohr Theh-ohs", stressed the first in "krah" and the second in "ohs", also the "r" is always pronounced at the end.
Some more: Europe in ancient greek is "Eh-oo-roh-peh(long), stressed in "roh". Australia is "Ah-oo-strah-lee-a"
Headache? Well, not surprised at all. The phonetics are so different. The same happened to me when I tried to learn German a few years ago, I was spraining my tongue all the time so I gave up at the end.
Yes, it is a funny thing, as you say. We try our best, even with all of the Hebrew names and places in the O.T. But being able to pronounce names accurately is not necessary to understand Scripture, thankfully. I do appreciate your help with Greek. Thank you.
In John 3:9 Paul is speaking about Diotrephes, who must have been a leader or elder in the congregation. Diotrephes was prideful, arrogant, and wanted to be the "top dog" in this congregation and to be admired by the congregants. He would not show hospitality to traveling missionaries such as Paul, refused them to enter their congregation and do any preaching, as he thought only he should preach. He also told the members of this congregation to not show hospitality, or meet with, or listen to these missionaries preach. If they did, Diotrephes put these members out of the church. He spoke maliciously about these traveling missionaries, disparaging them to those in his congregation. Diotresphes showed many signs of being an aberrant cult leader.
Diotrephes? I always enjoy how English people try to pronounce greek names. Since phonetics are very different something that is very easy to pronounce in grk is very hard to pronounce in Eng. I'll wait until somebody answers and then I will tell you how it is pronounced in greek. (If you get a Spaniard or an Italian he'll get it right).
Diot tree fees , say those sylabils as I've written them . Diot , like diet but with o instead of an e , tree as in green trees and fees as in your fees that you pay to your bank etc . Don't worry too much about pronunciation , it's not greatly important . If you look around you might be able to find a Bible with the pronunciation symbols . I have one of those . I haven't read this Bible on line , I'm surprised they aren't included . If required I can tell you what the pronunciation symbols are but that would be pointless unless your Bible has them . My advice ? If these things bother you , go and buy a paper Bible with the pronunciation symbols . They aren't hard to get , I have several .
1 Corinthians 4:5 speaks volume to us since saints understand the mysteries revealed to the faithful and Romans 1:6 & Romans 8:28. For saints know Isaiah 5:20. We are where we are today. God is so great to allow us to do things in life in our own free will where in the end The Glory belongs to God. God allowed me to have worked with great scientists in America with great heart. I do not need to understand and question everything at the spare of the moment. I just know the paths God lead me in was not to question authorities in the land. God has the heavenly plans and those are what I am and every saint must be very excited about. When you walk in the Spirit of God, you are like in a trance. Next thing you know someone tells you on earth job well done. Not to boast but again and again to Glorify God because He helped you to do job well done. I can control only me and hopefully have a strong influence with my family and friends and anybody that touches my life to follow God as I walk the walk and talk the talk. Even 1 Timothy 5:4 saints take it to heart. All is good with God James 1:17 and all are Your's 1 Corinthians 3:21-23. I know It is easy said and done here on earth. We all have afflictions and to some unbearable 2 Corinthians 6:4. I thank God for the blood of Jesus Christ for that power is in everyone who put his trust, faith and believe in that He will never leaves you. Psalms 91 memorize!
The Spirit speaks to you 1 Peter 3:13, 3 John 1:11. Be in Spirit so you can 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 Thessalonians 5:15. Philippians 2:13 and Ephesians 1:9. Saints, Ephesians 4:29
There are more heavenly things I can share but I like to inspire you with this testimony Colossians 1:27. Let us all grow in true Charity 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the bond of perfectness Colossians 3:14. In conclusion 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Happy Sunday with the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to ALL.
A lifetime of struggle under the poverty line. All min wage jobs, one after another, paycheck to paycheck, never enough to save. I live in dangerous apt complex with murder, hijackings, etc. I have no savings to retire. Stamina, energy, health waning as I get older. Bad back, over exhaustion. Got fired from another crap job and find myself unemployed yet again. Rent got raised by 25 percent. Car troubles. Tired of the struggle. I want the American dream. I want to buy a house and retire. I want to win the lottery. And if I do I will pay it fore-ward. As I'm pushing 60, with brain fog, severe exhaustion, I just want things to get easier. The easy yolk of which Jesus spoke. I've done the hard yoke. I want the bitter cup removed. I drank 3/4 of it. No more, please. Matthew 18:19-20 - Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Please agree with me in Christ's name that my health, finances, improve. And for that matter, relationships improve, or lack thereof. I suffer social phobia. I have no friends, wife. I could go on and on. I just want to be happy. That isn't a sin, btw, to want to be happy. John 10:10- I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Jesus said, "I wish that you may prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospereth." 3 John 1:2. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.-- Mark 11:24.
Dear Ruth, there was a season ago when I lost my husband that I wanted to die, and I knew exactly how to do it where I'd likely just go to sleep. And got worse as the days progressed to facing homelessness and trying to rehome my beloved American Bulldog. All I wanted to do was go to sleep and never wake up. Wanting to commit suicide was a living thing inside me...a possession. But God kept me from even attempting. I found out later that He had resolved this heartache long before it reared its ugly head. I found what I hope was a good home for my dog. I moved in with my sister, taking the things I could, and abandoning the rest. I still live with her. The Lord has blessed me so much for enduring that season of loss. I wrote and published a novel and am writing the second book. But most of all, I have the joy of the Lord in my heart. Seek the Lord, Ruth, lean on Him. He has it all worked out. Just believe and have faith. God bless you!
It's not worth it. It is something that I have gone through myself even now but something keeps telling me. The tomorrow is even better. Don't loose hope or faith. Keep in mind you have more to give in this life. You are chosen and therefore make your life a living testimony. I'm praying for you dear one.
Jesus fasten Your hold over this life that they may not swerve to this way of self harm. Retrain the heart with the value there is for his fate, the contributions to the world, and that no one can give a pounding to that happiness under Your care. Amen.
Dear Sister, you are not alone in this struggle. My prayer and concerns are with you and I thank God who is faithful in answering prayer. I also fight this battle which seems to have a strong hold on me. I can not wait until his return when you and I shall stand before him ANEW. I will pray for you sister, thank you for allowing me to stand with you in your time of need! What a honor you lift you up in prayer. God Bless Marty
3 John 1:11 - Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
John says, beloved, follow not that which is evil. The word follow is this word for mime, MIMETAI, which I have shared with you before. In Greek theater, a person would come out in a costume and a painted face and would act out a message. Paul picks this up from a theatrical language and applies it to the believer as far as representing the word expression, so that Paul would say in 1 Corinthians 11:1, imitate me as I imitate Christ.
It doesn't mean copy. That's not what he's talking about. MIME means the expression of Christ. That's why Paul says, be the expression of me, as I am in Christ. Do you see Christ through me? Do you see Christ live through me? Do you see Christ express Himself through me? Let it be the same expression in your life!
He says, do not express that which is evil, but that which is good. And the word good is not good in the human, but good spiritually. It is the word AGATHOS. God is good! Someone came to Jesus, and they said good teacher, and Jesus said wait a minute, before I answer your question, why did you call me good teacher? Because there's only one that's good (AGATHOS), and that's God.
Jesus used the word AGATHOS. There's only one that is AGATHOS in the whole universe, and that's God. So, he was pointing out to him that you just called me God. Do you realize that? Now I'll answer your question for you.
He that does good, literally, the one who is practicing the good, is from out of God: but he that practices evil has not even seen God. And again, we're not talking about good and evil from a human standpoint. We're talking about the good of God that's produced by His Spirit. Diotrephes was displaying that he was not from God.
This is all I have for 3 John. I will be going through Jude next which is another short book and should go fairly quick!
God Bless!!!
3 John 1:10 - Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he is doing, prating, or braiding against us with malicious words: Literally, evil words. Not just bad words, but evil words (PONEROS). And he's not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren, the ones that come from out of town, especially from John.
And forbids them that would, that is, have a desire to receive them, and he casts them out of the church if they do. Someone once said every church has a Diotrephes. But John says you have to watch out. These types of leaders are in the church. John says that if I can make it over there, and remember he's in his 90's, but he says I'm going to deal with him!
3 John 1:7 - Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
It says, "Because that for his name's sake," but literally in the Greek text, it's on account of (the name). And you might even hear that phrase in and amongst Jewish people today, HASHEM. As you might know, the Orthodox Jews do not say the name God. And when they write the name God, it will be G-D, so that they're not even writing the word.
They will call God ADONAI. They will not call Him by His name YAHWEH. They will call Him ADONAI which means Lord. What is happening now is that more and more of them are calling God HASHEM, which means The Name. And when they say HASHEM, everybody knows what they're making reference to.
Because of the name sake, these travelers went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
3 John 1:9 - I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
We just saw the commendation of Gaius. Now in Verses 9 and 10, we see the Condemnation of Diotrephes. It's interesting that his name, DIOS, which was the word for the Greek god Zeus. That was the main god. And TROPHE means to nourish. They named him "nourished by Zeus." You can tell by his name that everywhere that he went, he expected to be put in charge, having the special blessing upon him.
But John says in Verse 9, I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence, literally the first place among them, receives us not.
3 John 1:3 - For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
Walkest, or walking is a biblical term that represents a person's conduct or lifestyle. All day long, we're walking. We're taking steps. It denotes our direction. It denotes how we conduct our lives. It's not just knowing the truth, but walking in the truth!
3 John 1:6 - Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
But he says these brethren, and these strangers have born witness of your charity, that's AGAPE love, before the church: They got up and gave a testimony of this man, and of the love and the truth that is in this man's life. Whom if you bring forward, that is, these people, on their journey after a godly sort, you shall do well:
So, he's encouraging him to bring in these brothers and these strangers who have a good testimony about him, but he says it's important what you do. That is, not only do you house them, but you send them on their way with the things that they are going to need for their traveling, and for their trip.
A very generous man!
3 John 1:2 Continued...
Now here's the literal translation: even as your soul is prospering.
The tense of the verb in that last phrase tells you that he is prospering in his soul. But he's praying for his circumstances and his health to hold up, to support the good that he's already doing in the Spirit realm for Christ. So, it's not a health and wealth gospel thing. It's John saying that God's people have been so blessed by your hospitality, and I can only pray that your journey and your health will hold up so that you can continue to minister to God's people.
It's just the opposite of how the "health and wealth" people take this verse. His soul is already prospering. He's praying his journey and his health, that it would hold up, as his soul is already prospering.
The reason is given to us in Verse 3.
3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
He says, beloved, again the word AGAPE, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. This verse alone has been taken out of context, and it has been a springboard for the "health and wealth" teachings, that your physical circumstances act as a barometer as to your spiritual condition.
That is to say, that if you are sick, or if you're in hard difficult circumstances, that means that you have sinned, and you need to repent and get yourself right with God, because John prayed "Above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
They are making the connection there that the material realm displays your spiritual condition, because God wants you to be healthy, and God wants you to be wealthy. So, if you're not healthy and wealthy, then you're sinning against God and being disobedient.
Well, as you could imagine, that's not what the verse says! He says I wish. In fact, that's the word for prayer. I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper. The word prosper is not associated with material gain, such as money or material objects. It means to have a good journey. And that you be in health. This is where we get our word hygiene from. That you be sound, wholesome, and your health holds up.
3 John 1:1 Continued
God's love in John was directed towards Gaius. And you can understand why, if indeed he has been kicked out of his church because he showed genuine hospitality to the traveling Christians. And the testimony of him said that he took care of you if you stayed at his place. He was genuinely generous and hospitable.
So, you can understand why John would write him a letter and say to the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in truth, just like he said in 2 John. And again, John's emphasis is that love and truth are inseparable. When I say love, I mean AGAPE love. There are other forms of love that we're all familiar with. But God's love is not separated from the truth. You cannot compromise with love for the truth, and you also cannot with truth for love. You just can't do it. They go hand in hand.
So, when I take into consideration that if I tell the truth to the people around me, that they are going to reject me, so I will not tell them, that's not love, that's compromise! But we sometimes cannot come to the point where we can accept the fact that God would put us in a position that if we obeyed Him, somebody's feelings might get hurt, or somebody might get angry.
(3 John Part 1a):
This letter was written to instruct the church about the responsibilities of genuine hospitality.
3 John 1:1 - The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
He says, the elder (PRESBUTEROS), which is where we get our word Presbyterian from. But PRESBUS means an older person, an elderly person. And it was used to designate both age and position. I would emphasize to you that an elder in the church is somebody who is older in the Lord.
There are church committees that vote in new elders, and some of the elders who get voted in are new believers. In one religious group, there are elders who are 16 years of age. It's like "Hey, you want to take a shot at it for a year? Okay, you're in."
That is not what the scriptures teach about elders. We know from 1 Timothy Chapter 3, all of the maturity and the standing testimony that a person must have in order to be an elder, and even a deacon. But an elder is somebody who is older. John is both. He is an elder in age because he's probably in his 90's at this point. I believe there's a document that tells us that he died at about 98 years of age.
And he's also an elder in the church. He is the last surviving apostle in the church. All he says is the elder. And everybody knows who the elder is. There's only one left of the group. So, the elder, unto the wellbeloved Gaius, and wellbeloved is the word AGAPE in adjective form. This is to Gaius, the beloved brother. And beloved has to do with being the object of God's love.
"And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, "
The Spirit creates a spiritual space a Garden where every tree is grown with a specific purpose. This is is harmony with the blessings of God, and we read in this epistle that divine blessings cover total man,- body spirit and soul of man. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."( 3 John 1:2) Only Spirit of God can address soul since He made man a living soul.
He creates the spirit as a candle (Pr.20:27). Above all the word is like a surgeon's scalpels lays bare his thoughts inclinations and state of being. "and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart./ Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." He.4:12-13) How can not a man prosper with His blessings? His mercy works with the spiritual space of man like a threefold cord and he is secure. No wonder one can read the Bible through his lifetime and find comfort and consolation,- and his Presence is cure for all.
Not so with literary space. The hucksters who create a best seller list wants profits so they ratchet up a media frenzy to draw in suckers who after reading would want another one to cater to his inflamed senses. The writers who have no integrity immediately set to cater to the public tase and are feted as a nine day wonder. Publication of Ulysses and Lady Chatterly's Love in their day created an uproar. But now bestiality and violence create readers who crave more titillation. What gives?
You state: "I think there is a difference between trying to obey the commandments and believing that we need to obey them in order to be acceptable to God." Jesus doesn't agree with you Jema, and He is telling you that we must do this to be acceptable - to Him. I previously gave you the verse below spoken by Jesus, He is telling us point blank:
Revelation 22:14"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
Jesus leaves no wiggle room in the above verse. Hebrews 4:12 False teachers are very prevalent today, they are out amongst us, they believe and teach others that they can ignore tons of scripture like this regarding the commandments and sin. They live worldly lives almost indistinguishable from the secular/atheists. They try to convince themselves, and others that they can have this world and still receive salvation. Jude 1:10
Jema, I remember FrankieJ previously gave you some good spiritual advice, I will also. We must withdraw from the world. Put God first, including His Commands/Commandments.
Stop telling yourself and others that you can NEVER stop sinning. If you have God's Holy Spirit anything is possible! Have Faith! Believe!!!
Encourage yourself and others to stop sinning. Similar to alcohol and drugs, Sin is a Addiction. If you don't acknowledge it - it will control you and ultimately bring you to destruction.
3 John 1:11 "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."
And please remember if you want God to dwell in you: 1 John 3:24 "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us."
GBU
Part 3
To make an end of sins.
To make an end; as put an end to/make an end to, affix a seal, to seal up, a document is rolled up and sealed with wet clay. The signet ring of the owner bears the image of his seal and is pressed into the clay. This is what was done by the Holy Spirit, 2 Cor. 1:22 Eph. 1:13 2 Tim. 2:19.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Sin reaches for things, such as safety, knowledge, peace, happiness, and pleasure. Nevertheless, behind the act of good, sin ultimately creates a confrontation between obedience and rebellion. If not in faith, it is sin.
Psalm 32:1 Matthew 1:21 Matthew 22:11-13 John 1:29 John 3:5 Acts 5:31 Romans 3:25 Romans 8:3 Hebrews 9:26 Hebrews 10:8-12 1 Corinthians 15:3 1 John 3:5-6 Revelation 16:15
The covering of our sins was accomplished on the cross at Calvary. When he said IT IS FINISHED, he provided us with the garments (wedding garments) to cover our sins. Sin has not completely stopped yet but it is covered by the blood of Jesus and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
This passage points toward the Messiah who died because of our sins. In Jesus's death, punishment for our sins is paid for. Jesus's death we are dead to sin. Walking in the Spirit meant that we are trusting in Christ by faith to be made right before God, and not trusting in the law.
Whenever Paul speaks about walking after the flesh, it is in the context of trying to be made right before God by the law, which is equivalent to self-righteousness. I believe the prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and if we are in Jesus Christ, it is fulfilled for us. Praise God that Jesus Christ made an end of sins! As Jesus said from the cross, "It is finished!"
See Part 4
I do agree with brother Chris' answer. They were "out of towners" so to speak.
We also see the word strangers used in the New Testament, in the book of Hebrews, and also in 3 John 1:5 which says, beloved, you do faithfully whatsoever you are doing to the brethren, and to strangers;
Now strangers in the New Testament, they are strange only in that they are unknown to the person that's being hospitable to them. They are strangers in that they are from out of town.
In other words, Gaius didn't ride his rickshaw down by the freeway and pick up strangers hitchhiking. These are strangers or visitors from out of town that were Christians who were traveling in the Lord's work.
And it says the brethren and the strangers. So he even helped the brothers there in the town that he was in.
In Hebrews 13:2, strangers had to do with Christians who were traveling through town, those involved in the Lord's work, who were in town. The inns or hotels were usually full. But even if they weren't, it was a place of prostitution and drinking.
And so when believers came into town, they would inquire if there were other believers in that town that had a room that was vacant.
And that's what this is making reference to. The strangers are people who are foreigners in the city that they're in.
It says, "For thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
In Genesis Chapters 18 and 19, first with Abraham, and then with Lot, they entertained angels unawares. They were not aware of it. And so some people might have an angel in their house and not even know it.
And then you mentioned, "Modern greek - Thee-oh-treh-fee(short)s, stressed in the last syllable." This was interesting, because in Hindi/Urdu, we have the 'heavy D' (the tongue dropping from the roof of the mouth) and the 'soft D' (tongue between the teeth). And then we get the 'aspirated D' (heavy D with air expelled). So I can appreciate that in Greek also, there are similar variations to alphabetical sounds.
As for German, I did a year's study while at school. Was able to read it fairly well, but got only a little further than, 'ich bin, du bist, er ist, etc. etc.' Languages are wonderful - wish I had the gift to acquire them more easily & fully. Thanks again for taking the time to help us appreciate your wonderful language, that of the NT.
But then again, even if I get the vowel sounds correct, knowing which syllable to stress is another matter. But at least I can get a closer pronunciation with your good information.
Sory for my delayed reply but I was not able to respond so far.
Firstly you don't have to pronounce those names like greeks do, I am sure the English way is enough.
But just for the sake of the conversation. Well some tips tips about greek pronunciation, we are going to need them.
Vowels: "a" is pronounced as "ah", "i" as "ee"(short), "o" as "oh" , "e", this letter is used in Engl. to represant two different grk. letters 1. a letter called "epsilon" which is pronounced as "eh" and 2. a letter called "eta" which is pronounced as a long "eh" (ancient grk) or as "ee"(modern grk), "u" as "oo"(anc grk) or "ee"(mod. grk), "ou" as "oh-oo"(anc. grk) or "oo" (mod.grk).
Syllables: Syllabes in greek are of the form consonant(or double/triple cons.)-vowel, a single vowel, very few times as cons-vowel-cons(usually at the end of the word) and rarely vowel-cons.(most often at the end).
Consonants. With the letter "d" the grk letter "Delta" is represented. Delta is pron. as "d"(anc.grk) or "th"(mod. grk) like in the word "the"
So lets try it: (I am writting the vowels as pronounced).
Ancient greek- Dee-oh-treh-feh(long)s
Modern greek- Thee-oh-treh-fee(short)s, stressed in the last syllable.
Lets try another one"
"Pantokrator Theos", greek for ""Almighty God"
Tip: the combinaion "nt" is pronounced as "d" in mod. grk.
So, it is "Pah-doh-krah-tohr Theh-ohs", stressed the first in "krah" and the second in "ohs", also the "r" is always pronounced at the end.
Some more: Europe in ancient greek is "Eh-oo-roh-peh(long), stressed in "roh". Australia is "Ah-oo-strah-lee-a"
Headache? Well, not surprised at all. The phonetics are so different. The same happened to me when I tried to learn German a few years ago, I was spraining my tongue all the time so I gave up at the end.
GBU
Yes, it is a funny thing, as you say. We try our best, even with all of the Hebrew names and places in the O.T. But being able to pronounce names accurately is not necessary to understand Scripture, thankfully. I do appreciate your help with Greek. Thank you.
In John 3:9 Paul is speaking about Diotrephes, who must have been a leader or elder in the congregation. Diotrephes was prideful, arrogant, and wanted to be the "top dog" in this congregation and to be admired by the congregants. He would not show hospitality to traveling missionaries such as Paul, refused them to enter their congregation and do any preaching, as he thought only he should preach. He also told the members of this congregation to not show hospitality, or meet with, or listen to these missionaries preach. If they did, Diotrephes put these members out of the church. He spoke maliciously about these traveling missionaries, disparaging them to those in his congregation. Diotresphes showed many signs of being an aberrant cult leader.
Diotrephes? I always enjoy how English people try to pronounce greek names. Since phonetics are very different something that is very easy to pronounce in grk is very hard to pronounce in Eng. I'll wait until somebody answers and then I will tell you how it is pronounced in greek. (If you get a Spaniard or an Italian he'll get it right).
1 Corinthians 4:5 speaks volume to us since saints understand the mysteries revealed to the faithful and Romans 1:6 & Romans 8:28. For saints know Isaiah 5:20. We are where we are today. God is so great to allow us to do things in life in our own free will where in the end The Glory belongs to God. God allowed me to have worked with great scientists in America with great heart. I do not need to understand and question everything at the spare of the moment. I just know the paths God lead me in was not to question authorities in the land. God has the heavenly plans and those are what I am and every saint must be very excited about. When you walk in the Spirit of God, you are like in a trance. Next thing you know someone tells you on earth job well done. Not to boast but again and again to Glorify God because He helped you to do job well done. I can control only me and hopefully have a strong influence with my family and friends and anybody that touches my life to follow God as I walk the walk and talk the talk. Even 1 Timothy 5:4 saints take it to heart. All is good with God James 1:17 and all are Your's 1 Corinthians 3:21-23. I know It is easy said and done here on earth. We all have afflictions and to some unbearable 2 Corinthians 6:4. I thank God for the blood of Jesus Christ for that power is in everyone who put his trust, faith and believe in that He will never leaves you. Psalms 91 memorize!
The Spirit speaks to you 1 Peter 3:13, 3 John 1:11. Be in Spirit so you can 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1 Thessalonians 5:15. Philippians 2:13 and Ephesians 1:9. Saints, Ephesians 4:29
There are more heavenly things I can share but I like to inspire you with this testimony Colossians 1:27. Let us all grow in true Charity 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the bond of perfectness Colossians 3:14. In conclusion 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Happy Sunday with the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to ALL.
3 John 1:2
Jeremiah 33:6