Demetrius Has Received a Good Testimony – 3 John 1:11-15

It is good to have multiple testimonies about someone’s character and doctrine before you bring them into your church to teach and lead your people.  We are all too familiar with pastors and teachers whose lives did not live up to the gospel, but who were able to hide that fact.  Someone knew but didn’t tell.  We don’t need to go on witch hunts, but we need to examine carefully those we receive teaching from.

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.  I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.  Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.  (3 John 1:11-15 ESV)

John urges Gaius to continue to imitate good, rather than the evil that Diotrephes is exemplifying and reminds him that the one who does evil is not from God.

On the other hand, he commends Demetrius, whom everyone testifies positively about, either because he is the one delivering this letter or because he is one of these traveling preachers, or both.  There is no need to question him if he is going to share his spiritual gift with the congregation and it is safe to help and support him.

Finally, once again, John prefers to speak face to face about other issues.  In pronouncing peace on Gaius he mentions the believers who are with him, and greeting Gaius also, as “friends.”  Why not brothers and sisters?  The family term is true enough, but it is also important that in the body of Christ those who are brothers and sisters are also friends.  They love each other on many levels.