3 John 1:10

“Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.”

Context and Background:The book of 3 John is one of the shorter books in the New Testament, written by the apostle John. It is a personal letter addressed to Gaius, a faithful Christian, commending him for his hospitality and addressing issues within the local church. In this verse, John is referring to a specific individual who is acting contrary to the teachings and principles of the Christian faith.

Understanding the Verse:

• “Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth”:John indicates that he is aware of the negative actions of this individual and intends to address them when he visits the church personally. This suggests that John wants to confront the person’s behavior and hold them accountable for their actions.
• “Prating against us with malicious words”:This person is engaging in slanderous speech against John and possibly other leaders within the church. They are spreading false accusations and causing division within the community.
• “Not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren”:This individual not only speaks maliciously about John but also refuses to welcome other believers who are associated with John. They display a lack of hospitality and a spirit of exclusion.
• “Forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church”:This person not only rejects fellow believers but also actively prevents others from welcoming them into the church community. They exercise authority in a negative and divisive manner, excluding those who want to extend hospitality.

Lessons and Application:

• Confronting Negative Behavior:John’s example shows us the importance of addressing and confronting negative behavior within the church. It is necessary to stand against actions that harm the unity and love among believers. However, it should be done with a spirit of love and a desire for restoration.
• Guarding Against Slander and Division:The verse reminds us of the destructive power of slander and malicious words. As Christians, we should be cautious of what we say about others and avoid participating in gossip or spreading falsehoods. Instead, we should strive for unity and seek to build up one another.
• Practicing Hospitality:Gaius is commended earlier in this letter for his hospitality towards fellow believers. This verse serves as a contrast, highlighting the negative actions of someone who lacks hospitality and fails to welcome others. We should imitate Gaius by being open‑hearted, welcoming, and inclusive in our interactions with fellow believers.
• Maintaining Church Unity:The actions described in this verse demonstrate a lack of unity and a divisive spirit. As Christians, we are called to pursue unity and work towards resolving conflicts within the church. It is important to prioritize reconciliation and maintain the fellowship of believers.

In summary, 3 John 1:10 reminds us of the importance of addressing negative behavior, guarding against slander, practicing hospitality, and maintaining church unity. It encourages us to confront destructive actions with love, while also emphasizing the need for inclusivity and the welcoming of fellow believers.