3 John 1:1-4 - I pray that all may go well

1:1,2

This addressed to a particular individual, Gaius, and one whom John obviously knew well. Verse 2 is one that is beloved of prosperity gospel preachers, supposedly showing that if we believe the gospel then financial prosperity should be ours. Well here is an example of why we should look at verses in the light of all Scripture (this also applies to those who tend more towards a “poverty gospel” (ie the poorer the holier line). First, in its immediate context it is a greeting, to base a whole theology on it without proper support from all Scripture is a very unwise thing to do. Now, God does care for all aspects of our lives, He does want all aspects of our lives to go well. Moreover, other things being equal, the more in line with God our lives are the better all things will be. The problem is that other things are not equal. First the negative side. There are three factors which mean that things will not be perfect in my life. One is my own sin and sinfulness. Second is that other people will sin against me. And thirdly, we live in a fallen, and therefore imperfect, world. But now let’s look at the positive side, and this is perhaps the most important. Part of the gospel, part of the promise of the gospel, is that we share in Christ’s sufferings.  So sometimes we will suffer unjustly or undeservedly, but God will work through this to bring about His good purposes in our own lives and in the lives of others. We need to grasp the full glory of the gospel.

1:3,4

John had clearly heard news of Gaius from others, and he clearly was progressing spiritually. How did John know this? Or, rather how did the believers who brought the news to John know this? It was because Gaius was faithful to the truth and was walking in the truth. Ie his “life and doctrine” were consistent with the gospel. In the light of my comments on v2, note that it is the quality of his life that matters, not his wealth! Note also that how John judges a man’s life is by how well it aligns with the truth of the gospel, he does not use a worldly measure. We should do the same when assessing ourselves, and when assessing others.