Christ, in 3rd John

The book of 3rd John, one of the shortest books in the New Testament, is a personal letter from the Apostle John to his friend and fellow believer, Gaius. Though it does not explicitly present a detailed theological portrayal of Christ, the epistle implicitly reflects the nature and teachings of Christ through its themes of truth, love, hospitality, and fidelity to Christian doctrine.

Christ as the Embodiment of Truth and Love:

John begins his letter by expressing his joy in hearing that Gaius is walking in the truth (3 John 1:3-4). This emphasis on truth is significant, as Jesus himself is described as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). By commending Gaius for living in accordance with the truth, John is implicitly aligning Gaius's actions with the teachings and example of Christ. Moreover, the theme of love permeates the letter, reflecting the greatest commandment given by Christ to love one another (John 13:34-35). John's affectionate address to Gaius as "beloved" and his praise of Gaius’s loving actions underscore the importance of love in the Christian community, a love that mirrors Christ’s own sacrificial love.

Christ-like Hospitality and Support:

John commends Gaius for his hospitality towards fellow believers, especially those who are strangers (3 John 1:5-8). This act of kindness is a practical outworking of the love that Jesus taught and demonstrated. In the Gospels, Christ often emphasized the importance of welcoming and caring for others, especially those who are marginalized or in need (Matthew 25:35-40). By supporting itinerant missionaries, Gaius is participating in the mission of spreading the gospel, an endeavor central to Christ’s ministry. John encourages this support, highlighting that such actions are pleasing to God and in line with the faithful work of Jesus’ disciples.

Christ as the Source of Authority and Leadership:

In contrast to Gaius's commendable actions, John addresses the negative example of Diotrephes, who refuses to acknowledge John's authority and disrupts the unity of the church (3 John 1:9-10). Diotrephes’s behavior stands in stark contrast to the humility and servant-leadership modeled by Christ. Jesus taught that true greatness in the kingdom of God is marked by humility and service (Matthew 20:25-28). By calling out Diotrephes, John upholds Christ’s standard for church leadership, which is rooted in selflessness and submission to divine authority.

Imitation of Good as a Reflection of Christ:

John exhorts Gaius to imitate what is good, asserting that those who do good are from God (3 John 1:11). This call to emulate goodness is intrinsically linked to Christ, who is the ultimate example of goodness and righteousness. Jesus’s life and teachings provide the blueprint for ethical and moral conduct. By encouraging Gaius to follow this path, John is essentially urging him to emulate Christ.

In conclusion, while 3rd John does not offer a direct theological exposition of Christ, it vividly reflects Christ's teachings and character through its themes of truth, love, hospitality, and righteous leadership. John's commendation of Gaius and critique of Diotrephes serve as practical illustrations of living out the principles that Christ embodied and taught. Through this short but powerful letter, the enduring influence of Christ’s example on the early Christian community is clearly evident.