“For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Susan Dalton's comment on 2011-12-21 00:45:37:
"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth." (III John 1:3)
It's good to have Gaius's.
III John 1:9, says, "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 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." (III John 1:9-10)
Diotrephes was a head in the church, but he was not walking in truth.
It's good to know if a Diotrephes is not walking in truth, there is a Gaius who is.
Gaius received commendation for walking in truth. He was commended for not only helping those who were "brethren," but, also for helping the "strangers." He received and helped those who went forth for the name of Jesus Christ.
He was commended for doing the right thing; that right thing being, walking in truth; specifically, receiving and helping those who had gone out for the name of Jesus.
Diotrephes behavior was characterized as being evil. Gaius was exhorted not to follow that which was evil, (Diotrephes's example) but, to follow that which was good. Gaius was told, "He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." (III John 1:12)
It would seem the implication here is Diotrephes has not seen God, though he was exerting a leadership in the church.
Diotrephes loved preeminence among the church; Gaius walked in truth.
Diotrephes was separated from truth and that created division; Gaius walked in truth and love. When the work of God can be hindered by a Diotrephes, God has Gaius.
Ralph De Jesus's comment on 2010-01-13 15:02:15:
The testimony that Christ is in the heart of his disciple is his obedience and the works that he does according to the doctrine of God.