I like the “So What” of this one – Hospitality is not just for the Martha Stewarts of the world. Which reminds me, invite someone over for dinner. I mean it. People used to always have people over for dinner, or host dinner parties – but we don’t now, because our house isn’t clean, or it is too much trouble. Give it a try, hospitality may be one of your great gifts! – Cindy
3 JOHN
AUTHOR: The apostle John according to church tradition. The author is identified only as “the elder” (1:1).
DATE: Around AD 92
IN TEN WORDS OR LESS: Church leaders must be humble, not proud.
DETAILS, PLEASE: Addressed to a believer named Gaius, 3 John praises those (like Gaius and another Christian named Demetrius) who lead in “charity before the church” (1:6). But 3 John also has harsh words for Christians like Diotrophes, “who loves to have the preeminence” (1:9) and refuse to show kindness and hospitality to traveling evangelists.
QUOTABLE: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (1:4)
UNIQUE AND UNUSUAL: 3 John, one of the four single-books in the New Testament, is the second shortest by verse count: only 14.
SO WHAT? Hospitality is not just for the Martha Stewarts of the world – Christians are expected to feed, house, and encourage other believers, especially those who minister full-time for God. Humble service to others follows the example of Jesus Himself.
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