3 John 1-4: Building the kingdom together

Do You Feel Like Your Faith is a Solo Mission? Let's be honest: in today's world, it's easy to feel like you're navigating your Christian faith all by yourself. Maybe you go to church on Sunday, but then the rest of the week feels like a lone struggle against a world that doesn't quite get it. You're trying to do the right thing, trying to grow, but sometimes it feels like you're stuck on an island, or trying to assemble an IKEA boat with missing instructions. Where's the crew? Where's the support? You might even wonder if this "Christian journey" is supposed to be a lonely one.

The good news? It's not. And in this study guide, we're going to dive into a small but mighty letter from the New Testament that shines a spotlight on exactly that problem. We'll discover that from the very beginning, Christian faith was never meant to be a solo mission. In fact, the solutions to feeling isolated, unsupported, or uncertain about your role in God's big plan are rooted in timeless truths about community, courage, and genuine connection. So, if you're tired of feeling like a solo traveler stuck on a desert island, stick around. You're about to find out that you're not alone, and there's a powerful way to live out your faith together.

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Setting the Scene: Good Guys and True Grit (3 John 1-4)

Imagine a world where there are no motels, no Airbnb, and no quick stop for Wi-Fi. Back in the day, Christian preachers and teachers were always on the move, counting on other believers to put them up. This wasn't just a friendly gesture; it was how the gospel spread.

Our passage today, 3 John 1-4, introduces us to Gaius, a stand-up guy that John, "the elder," deeply respected. John calls him "my dear friend, whom I love in the truth." This wasn't just small talk; it was a real, solid connection built on their shared faith. John wasn't just writing a formal letter; he was writing to a buddy, a brother who was truly living out his faith and supporting the mission.

In those early church days, Christians faced a lot of trouble, both from outside and within. So, hospitality – taking people in – wasn't just a nice thing to do; it was essential for spreading the good news. Traveling teachers needed a place to crash, some food, and a safe spot to keep going. If you didn't help them, you were holding back the mission. If you did, you were actively pushing God's work forward.

John's prayer for Gaius is pretty cool: "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." (v. 2). This isn't about getting rich; it's a prayer for Gaius's whole life to be in good shape, just like his faith already was. It reminds us that our faith isn't just about what we believe; it affects everything we do.

The heart of John's praise for Gaius comes in verses 3 and 4: "It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." John was stoked! He heard good reports about Gaius's "faithfulness to the truth" and how he was "walking in it." This isn't just knowing the right stuff; it's living it out every day. "Walking in the truth" means your actions match what you say you believe. It's about being the real deal, especially in how you treat others and support God's work.

For John, seeing the people he mentored actually living out their faith with honesty and purpose was the biggest reward. It's like any good coach or mentor feeling proud when their team or students succeed. It shows the power of the gospel and what happens when you intentionally help others grow in their faith.

Rabbit Trail About Traveling Teachers: The Road Warriors of the Early Church

When we read about Gaius supporting traveling teachers, it's easy to just skim over it. But these "traveling teachers" were the unsung heroes, the road warriors of the early church. They were key to spreading the Good News, and their existence points to a powerful pattern of discipleship.

Think about it: Jesus himself set this pattern. He didn't just teach the Twelve; he sent them out on "practice runs." In Luke 9:1-2, he gives them power and authority and sends them out to preach and heal. This wasn't just a field trip; it was discipleship in action, preparing them for the bigger mission ahead. After Jesus ascended, these disciples, now apostles, continued this pattern. They weren't just going out themselves; they were diligently raising up and sending out their own disciples.

This brings us right back to John. As he gets on in age, it certainly seems he has been deeply investing in younger disciples, training them up, and then dispatching them as these vital traveling teachers from his home base in Ephesus. When John writes in 3 John that these traveling teachers have just come back and given him a report, it's hard not to imagine these were precisely the kind of younger guys he had poured his life into, sending them out to the Christian communities in the region. He's like the experienced coach proudly sending his best players out to represent the team and seeing their fruit.

The Perilous Path: Dangers on the Road and Within

Life on the road in the ancient world was no vacation. For a traveling Christian teacher, it was a constant gamble with danger. These men didn't just need faith; they needed incredible courage and guts to stay faithful in the face of what they might encounter:

• Bandits and Bad Guys: The Roman roads, while well-built, were not always safe. Bandits and highwaymen lurked, especially in more remote or mountainous areas. Traveling with any valuables (even just their meager possessions or precious scrolls) made them targets. There was no 911 to call, and help was often days away.

  
  

• Persecution from Roman Authorities: While widespread, systematic Roman persecution often came later, local authorities could arrest, imprison, or even execute Christians simply for disturbing the peace, refusing to participate in pagan rituals, or being perceived as a threat to Roman order. Paul's numerous imprisonments are a stark reminder of this constant threat.

  
  

• Angry Jews: Many Jewish communities, particularly those who rejected Jesus as the Messiah, could be fiercely opposed to Christian evangelists. They often saw these teachers as heretics, undermining their traditions and beliefs. This opposition could escalate from verbal abuse to physical attacks, synagogue expulsions, or even instigating Roman authorities against them. Paul's stoning in Lystra (Acts 14:19) is a brutal example.

  
  

• Hostile Pagans: Towns steeped in pagan worship, with their temples, priests, and established cults, did not welcome anyone evangelizing their friends and families away from their gods. These traveling teachers were seen as disruptive outsiders, challenging social norms and religious structures. Riots, like the one in Ephesus instigated by the silversmiths who made idols of Artemis (Acts 19:23-41), demonstrate the intense pagan backlash they could face.

  
  

• Opposition from Within the Church: Perhaps the most heartbreaking danger was the opposition from within their own Christian community. As we see in 3 John, there were leaders like Diotrephes who "loves to be first" (3 John 9), refused to welcome these traveling teachers, and even slandered John himself. Worse, Diotrephes went so far as to "put out of the church" (3 John 10) anyone who did show hospitality to these faithful messengers. Imagine traveling for weeks, escaping bandits and hostile crowds, only to be rejected and condemned by those who should have been your brothers and sisters in Christ. This betrayal required a special kind of resilience and faith.

  
  

In short, every journey was a potential test of faith and endurance. These men displayed immense bravery, pushing past fear of physical harm, imprisonment, and social ostracism, as well as the deep pain of rejection from fellow believers, to deliver the message they believed in. Their "true grit" wasn't just a tough attitude; it was a deeply rooted conviction that God was with them, empowering them through every peril.

Examples of Apostles Sending Out Disciples:

The New Testament is full of examples of apostles like Paul, following Jesus's example, by sending out their trusted partners and disciples:

• Timothy: Paul frequently sent Timothy on critical missions to churches like Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:2), Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10), and Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Timothy wasn't just a messenger; he was sent to teach, strengthen, and correct.

  
  

• Titus: Paul sent Titus to Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:6-7) and later left him in Crete to appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5).

  
  

• Barnabas: Though an apostle himself, Barnabas traveled with Paul extensively, and they were "sent out" together by the church in Antioch (Acts 13:1-3).

  
  

• Silas: He traveled with Paul and was a key figure in delivering decisions from the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:22-34) and then on a second missionary journey.

  
  

What were these traveling teachers actually doing?

They were doing the essential work of building the church:

1. Evangelizing: Sharing the gospel with new people in new places.

2. Teaching and Discipling: Instructing new converts in the ways of Christ, explaining doctrine, and helping them grow in their faith.

3. Establishing Churches: Helping to organize new Christian communities.

4. Strengthening Existing Churches: Encouraging believers, resolving disputes, and providing apostolic oversight and wisdom when an apostle couldn't be there personally.

5. Delivering Letters and News: They served as the ancient world's postal service and communication network for the spread of Christian writings and news between communities.

   
   

A Day (or Week) in the Life:

Imagine a traveling teacher, maybe a younger man like Timothy or one of John's own disciples, arriving in a new town.

• Arrival: He'd likely head to a pre-arranged home of a fellow believer, or, if new, seek out any known Christians. The host family would provide food and lodging – a lifeline, as we see Gaius providing, and crucially, an act of defiance against those who would shut them out.

• Community Building: He'd spend his first days meeting believers, listening to their challenges, and observing their practices.

• Teaching Sessions: He'd hold gatherings, perhaps in a house church or a public space, teaching from the Scriptures (likely Old Testament scrolls and early Christian traditions about Jesus), answering questions, and offering encouragement. This could happen daily or several times a week.

• Pastoral Care: He might visit the sick, counsel those in conflict, or help mediate disputes within the Christian community.

• Handiwork: Some, like Paul, might also engage in a trade (like tentmaking) to help support themselves and model hard work.

• On the Road Again: After a few days or weeks, depending on the need and the instructions from the sending apostle, he would pack up his meager belongings, say goodbye to his hosts, and set off on foot for the next town, carrying letters, news, and the burden of the gospel message.

  
  

This life was tough, dangerous, and demanding, but utterly essential for Christianity to grow from a small sect into a widespread movement. It truly took "true grit."

Rabbit Trail 2: The Word "Missionary" – An Ancient Calling, a Modern Term

When we read about the tireless efforts of early Christian "traveling teachers" like those supported by Gaius, or see headings in our Bibles proclaiming "Paul's Missionary Journeys," it's natural to automatically call these devoted individuals "missionaries." And in spirit and function, they certainly were! However, the actual term "missionary" is not found in the Bible and wasn't used in the early church. This might seem like a small detail, but understanding its origin helps us grasp the nuances of Christian outreach.

Where did the term "missionary" first come to be used?

The word "missionary" comes from the Latin word "missio," which means "a sending" or "a dispatching." It gained prominence much later, particularly in the 16th century, during the Counter-Reformation. The Jesuits (Society of Jesus), founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola, were instrumental in popularizing the term. They organized themselves specifically for "missions" – being sent out to evangelize in new territories (both within Europe and globally, like in Asia and the Americas). So, while the concept of being sent was ancient, the word itself is a product of later church history, specifically tied to formalized sending structures.

Was it a term used in the Bible? Is there a Greek equivalent?

No, the English word "missionary" doesn't appear in any Bible translation, nor does a direct Greek equivalent appear in the New Testament.

However, the Greek concept of "sending" is absolutely central to the New Testament's understanding of ministry. The most common Greek word is "apostello" (ἀποστέλλω), meaning "to send forth, send away, dispatch." From this word comes "apostolos" (ἀπόστολος), which literally means "one who is sent" or "a messenger." This is the term we translate as "apostle."

So, while Paul and others weren't called "missionaries," they were undeniably "apostles" – literally "sent ones" – embodying the very essence of what a missionary does: they are sent by God, or by the church, with a specific message and task.

How would early traveling teachers be similar or different from a modern missionary?

Similarities:

• Sent with a Message: Both are commissioned to carry the gospel message to new places and people.

• Dependent on Support: Early teachers relied on hospitality; modern missionaries rely on financial and prayer support from sending organizations and churches.

• Cross-Cultural Engagement: Often, both operate in cultural contexts different from their own, requiring adaptation.

• Establishment of Faith Communities: A core goal for both is to see new believers gathered into local churches.

• Facing Challenges: As we saw, both historical and modern missionaries face dangers, opposition, and hardship.

  
  

Differences:

• Formal Training/Organization: Modern missionaries often undergo extensive formal training (theological, linguistic, cultural) and are sent by established mission agencies with clear organizational structures, budgets, and reporting lines. Early teachers, while discipled, often learned "on the job" and operated within more fluid, organic networks.

• Technological Tools: Communication, travel, and resource access are vastly different today. Early teachers walked; modern missionaries fly.

• Financial Models: While both depend on others, modern missionaries typically have regular, budgeted support from a sending base, whereas early teachers' support was more ad-hoc hospitality.

• Term and Scope: A modern missionary might commit to a specific "term" in a particular country, focusing on a defined people group or project. Early teachers might have been more responsive to immediate needs and open doors as they traveled, though some like Paul had specific regions in mind.

  
  

In essence, the early traveling teachers were indeed missionaries in spirit and function, embodying the "apostolic" calling of being sent. The primary difference is simply the evolution of language and the more formalized structures that developed within Christian missions over centuries. They were pioneers, laying the groundwork for the vast global missionary movement that would follow.

Questions for you to chew on and discuss:

1. John prays for Gaius's whole life to be in good shape, just like his faith. How does that compare to what we often think "blessing" or "prosperity" means for Christians today?

   
   

2. Gaius showed his faith by being hospitable and supporting those spreading the gospel. How can we, in our modern world, show that same kind of practical faith?

   
   

3. John's greatest joy was seeing those he discipled "walking in the truth." What does that tell us about what truly matters in helping others grow in their faith?

   
   

Journey Group Discussion Starter: Share a time when someone showed you incredible hospitality, or when you were able to truly help someone in need because of your faith. How did that experience impact you or them?

Living It Out Today:

The lessons from 3 John 1-4 are still relevant. First, it's about real relationships in the church. We're not meant to do this Christian life alone. We need to genuinely love, pray for, and celebrate each other's faith.

Second, it shows the power of hospitality. Even if we're not housing missionaries, we can still be welcoming. This means opening your home for a meal, supporting those serving God, or simply being kind to new folks at church. Living the truth means showing it.

Finally, this passage tells us to be smart about who we support and to help spread the good news. Gaius backed those "walking in the truth," and we should do the same. Our greatest joy, like John’s, should be seeing God’s truth lived out and shared.

Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN

Trying to figure out this whole Christian thing on your own can feel like trying to change a flat tire in the dark with no jack. It's just harder! So, why not grab some buddies and join a Journey Group? It's a place where you can talk straight, learn together, and help each other stay on track. We promise, no weird secret handshakes, just real talk about God's Word. To learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or find out about starting your own, head on over to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups.

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EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE

From road life to dream home base! 🚚➡️🏡 After years of traveling, God led us to an incredible spot in Arizona to build a ministry hub & bless others. You won't believe how it happened! ✨ Watch our new video to see the first glimpse! 👇

For the past three years, Kaila and I have been living life on the road, exploring and serving wherever God leads us. It's been an incredible journey, but carrying everything we own and constantly navigating started us dreaming of something more: a home base. A place to lighten our load, simplify, and most importantly, create a space where we can truly bless others. This video is the first glimpse of that dream!

As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.

Ultimately, it’s all God’s money, God’s land, and God’s resources—we simply want to be faithful stewards, investing what He’s entrusted us with to serve our family, friends, and help countless others experience God and the lessons of the Bible in a whole new way. We prayed and searched high and low, from Texas to Idaho, and God consistently drew us back to this breathtaking location in Northwest Arizona. Imagine: a spot overlooking the world's densest Joshua Tree forest, just minutes from the Grand Canyon, with epic mountains in our backyard! Our deepest desire for this place is to be a haven for renewal. A spot where our kids can visit, Kaila's mom can stay, and friends can gather. But even bigger than that, it's a launchpad for new ministry—a place to invite people to rest, recharge, share meals, grow friendships, and truly be renewed in the desert sun. We're already dreaming of leading hikes, teaching Bible lessons, and hosting retreats.

There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, but we're stepping out in faith, trusting God every step of the way. We’re so excited to share this new chapter with our family, friends, and all of you! If you want to learn more about our ministry, please visit YourJesusJourney.com. And if you have any questions, or just want to send your prayers or encouragement, please fill up that comment section or reach out directly at YourJesusJourney@gmail.com.

We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!