3 John
“Beloved [Gaius], I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2) The apostle John prayed for the physical well-being of his friend, Gaius. But note the sequence. The prosperity of the soul must come first. Many early Christians were persecuted and suffered the loss of all their possessions, so neither physical prosperity nor good health are guaranteed. But, John thought it appropriate that he put in his request to God in his friend’s behalf.
“I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 3 – 4) Unfortunately, conversations about far-away faithful people often focus on what went wrong rather than what went right. Spreading the news of failure focuses on and multiplies failure. Spreading the news of success not only multiplies success, but also develops unity.
“They went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such people, so we may prove to be fellow workers with the truth.” (3 John 7 – 8) In the early years, the gospel was spread by people who set out to do it, not a class of special representatives sanctioned by a central organization. They were remarkably successful, taking the gospel to the whole world in under 40 years. Those who stay home are no less important in the Kingdom, but should seek to support those who do.
3 John 2, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Praying for the physical well-being of others is appropriate, but John showed a necessary context. The well-being of the soul or spirit is the benchmark. Physical comfort is good, but spiritual comfort is far better and, in fact, often handles the physical in the process. Conversely, pursuing the physical has often led to overlooking the health and wealth of the spirit, resulting in a comfortable life not worth living.
3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth.” In the previous thirty-plus years, John had told a lot of people about the gospel. His greatest joy was hearing that the message had found a home and was functioning as intended, as beacons of superhuman love. Unfortunately, those who have taught the gospel generally are not updated on the progress of those upon whom they had an impact. Therefore, the faithful should make a point of relaying those success stories back to their origin, to complete the cycle of joy.
3 John 8, “We therefore ought to support such [traveling teachers of the gospel], that we may become fellow workers for the truth.” Some of the faithful stay; some go. Together, all participate in spreading the gospel. Those who stay are not of a lower station, rather each group needs the other. Of course, those who provide the finances need to ensure that the funds are being used well, which is why they are called “fellow workers.” Those who provide the funds need to be more than just contributors, but be intimately involved in the work.
Thomas Theology Hub 