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3 John Bible Study, Day 39: Esteemed Demetrius

Online Bible Study for the books of 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John

1, 2, 3 John Bible Study from the book Love One Another

Today’s passage: 3 John 1:11–12

Focus verse: Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. (3 John 1:12)

After cautioning Gaius about Diotrephes, John instructs Gaius to not imitate evil but what is good. Given the context, with this following the warning about Diotrephes, we realize that John is calling Diotrephes evil.

Before we temper this label of evil by saying Diotrephes isn’t evil, merely his actions are, read what else John says. Anyone who does evil doesn’t know God. 

In contrast, John tells Gaius to imitate what is good. Anyone who does good is from God. This leads us into the testimony of Demetrius.

There are two men named Demetrius in the Bible. The first is Demetrius, the silversmith, whom Luke writes about because he opposes Paul and the followers of Jesus (Acts 19:23–41). 

John, however, writes about a different Demetrius. This Demetrius is one held in high esteem. He shows up in John’s letter to his dear friend Gaius. 

Gaius may know Demetrius, or John may anticipate that the two of them will one day meet. Of Demetrius, John simply writes, everyone speaks well of him—even the truth itself.

This mention of the truth is John’s poetic nod to Jesus and his good news of salvation. It’s important to John that Gaius know this.

Imagine that. Jesus speaks well of Demetrius. May we live worthy lives that bring about the same affirmation from our Savior.

Though he doesn’t need to add to Jesus’s testimony of Demetrius, John does anyway. He tacks on that we—that is, he and his team—also speak highly of him, and we don’t lie.

We don’t know why John feels it’s important to communicate this truth about Demetrius to Gaius—or warn him about Diotrephes.

Perhaps both accounts jointly serve to encourage Gaius to continue his hospitality, being esteemed like Demetrius, and not swayed by the evil actions and threats of people like Diotrephes.

Even more so, we’re left to guess why Demetrius is so well-esteemed. He must be a man of noble character and impeccable integrity. In this regard, may we all be like him.

Demetrius’s God-honoring character provides an example for us to emulate. For when others speak well of us, we can best represent Jesus to them.

Questions:

  1. What lessons can we learn from Demetrius?
  2. How can we imitate what is good?
  3. Do people speak well of us? 
  4. What might Jesus say about us?
  5. How can we work to be more like Demetrius?

Discover more about another man God speaks well of in Hebrews 11:4.

Tips: Check out our tips to use this online Bible study for your church, small group, Sunday school class, or family discussion. It’s also ideal for personal study. Come back each Monday for a new lesson.

Read the next lesson or start at the beginning of this study.


Discover practical, insightful, and encouraging truths in Love One Another, a devotional Bible study to foster a deeper appreciation for the two greatest commandments: To love God and to love others.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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