2 John, 3 John Study Guide – to be discussed February 3
Day 1: Read 2 John 1:1-3, Bible Dictionary entry, “John, Epistles of” (p. 715), paragraph 3
1. How did John refer to himself in this epistle?
2. To whom is this letter addressed? What word is repeated three times in the first two verses of 2 John?
3. What three things did John desire to be with the recipients of this letter?
Day 2: Read 2 John 1:4-6
4. Why did John rejoice?
5. What commandment did John emphasize in this writing?
6. How do we best express love? What specific kind of love is indicated in footnote 6a?
Day 3: Read 2 John 1:7-8, with footnote 8a
7. Against what kind of anti-Christ did John issue warning?
8. How do we “look to ourselves”?
9. Read 2 John 1:8 with footnote 8a. How might early church members have lost what they had acquired? How might we do the same?
Day 4: Read 2 John 1:9-14
10. How can we “abide in the doctrine of Christ”? What is the promise if we do?
11. How might we let false doctrine into our homes? Do we do this knowingly?*
12. Why didn’t John want to put all his correspondence in this letter?
Day 5: Read 3 John 1:1-4, Bible Dictionary entry, “John, Epistles of,” paragraph 4
13. How did “the elder” (John) feel about Gaius?**
14. What was John’s desire toward Gaius? Why?
15. What brought John great joy? What brings you joy?
Day 6: Read 3 John 1:5-8, Deuteronomy 10:17-19, Matthew 25:35, Bible Dictionary entry, “Stranger”
16. Read Deuteronomy 10:17-19 and Matthew 25:35 with the footnote to 3 John 1:5b. To whom should we offer charity, or the pure love of Christ?
17. Define “stranger.” (See also Bible Dictionary entry, “Stranger.”)
18. What do you think it means to be “fellowhelpers to the truth”?
Day 7: Read 3 John 1:9-14 (with footnotes 9a, b, 12a)
19. For what was Diotrephes known?
20. List Diotrephes’ sins. How are these offenses described in the footnote to 3 John 1:9b?
21. How do we know Demetrius was a faithful follower of Christ?
From the Institute Manual:
*(53-7) 2 John 10, 11 . What Is So Serious About Bidding a Bearer of False Doctrine “Godspeed”?
“Godspeed” was a common form of greeting and of farewell in the 1600s when the King James Version was produced. It was, at that time, a good translation of the Greek. John was actually telling his readers to refrain from wishing prosperity and success to those whose lives and teachings were not in harmony with gospel truth. John is not suggesting that common courtesy cannot be extended to those who teach contrary doctrines. But in his time, the phrase he used also meant to welcome one into the home, to accept him as a guest. It was this kind of hospitality that enabled the itinerant preachers to exist and carry on their work. Thus, extending greeting was akin to supporting the work of these teachers. John is saying that saints should support only those who come teaching the gospel doctrine that Christ actually came in the flesh, suffered for mankind, brought about the Resurrection, and will judge each of us in the final day.
(53-8) 3 John 5–8 . For What Is Gaius Commended by John in These Verses?
Even as John urged his readers not to provide lodging for teachers of false doctrine, so he commends Gaius for his kindness to the true ministers of God’s word. It was a custom in the early church that members of the branch would take Christian missionaries into their homes and provide for their needs. Such an act, as formerly noted, implied acceptance of the missionaries and their message. Even if the inns of that day had not had the evil reputation that they did, it is unlikely that very many of the brethren would have been wealthy enough to stay in them. Gaius is praised for his unselfish devotion to the cause of Christ in providing accommodations for God’s traveling servants.
