3 John introduction, and part one

Next we take a look at the book of the bible called the  Third Epistle (letter) of John. This letter was not written about by the authors of the earliest known christian literature. It was disputed as authentic in the 3rd century and was not even accepted into the bible canon until the fifth century. The author and date of writing are unknown. However, a few similarities to the other writings attributed to John, lead some to believe it had the same author and was written in the same time frame.

The letter begins just like 2 John with "the elder" indicating the author is a person of some authority in a church. It is addressed to his dear friend Gaius, of whose identity or location we have no clue. The author hopes his friend is healthy and his soul is well. The author has been pleased to get a good report from "some brothers" about Gaius and how he is continuing to "walk in the truth." The nature of this truth is not explained. The identity of the brothers is not revealed. The author refers to Gaius as his child. I'm assuming this is metaphorical and Gaius is a student, disciple, or convert of the author's. The author told his church about Gaius.

These brothers were treated well by Gaius, even though they were strangers to him. The author suggests that Gaius send them on their way "in a manner worthy of god." I assume this means to be generous with resources. These particular brothers are said to have gone out "for the sake of the name." What is this name? You might think it is Jesus, however, it could very well be the Jewish god Yahweh.

According to my bible commentary, many Jews today call god by a phrase that means "the name." Jews considered the name of god holy. In order to keep from breaking the commandment about using god's name in vain, they resorted to euphemisms for god. In fact, after doing a quick scan of this letter, I realize Jesus is not even mentioned or alluded to in the whole letter. Could this be another possible case of a letter written by a Jew being taken for a christian document? I'm beginning to think so.

When these brothers (fellow Jews or Jewish christians?) went out for the sake of the name, they received no help no help from the pagans. They were probably proselytizers, commonly called missionaries. Either that, or perhaps they were trying to drum up monetary support for displaced Jews during the diaspora. Just speculation.

More to come.