The Book of Christian Hospitality

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Christian hospitality seems to be a lost art. Many have turned to such a degree of backbiting, anger, and outright slander that hospitality appears to be to such an extreme that nobody even thinks about it anymore. That fact, though, does not negate the continued need for all children of God to show forth a spirit of hospitality to all men, and especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10). And it is the one whom John is addressing, one named Gaius, who stands in this epistle as a foremost example of what Christian hospitality is supposed to be.

In John’s third general epistle, he addresses this topic of Christian hospitality by penning a portrait of three men, two who were splendid examples of God’s expectations for man, and one who was nothing but bold, brash, and belligerent toward God’s faithful servants. However, it is John’s preliminary remarks that really set the tone for how the three mentioned men are remembered. John begins by saying, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (III John 2-4). Everything mentioned from henceforth is a reflection of that individual’s reaction to that truth. Would they accept it or would they reject it? The deep recesses of the heart are unveiled by the outer workings of our lives. Thus, who are these three men whom John mentions, and what did their hearts reveal?

First, John refers to the one whom he is addressing, Gaius. There are four Gaius’ mentioned in the New Testament, three who were close associates of Paul, and this one, a close associate of John. It cannot necessarily be assumed that any of these were the same, but some might have been. Regardless, John reveals some important things about this Gaius. In verses five through eight John says:

“Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”

First, as mentioned above, Gaius walked in the truth and allowed that to direct his steps in all areas of life, leading him to the commendations that John would grant. Second, Gaius was a man given to hospitality. And his hospitality was not prejudiced, but was freely extended to all, whether brother in Christ or not. It was that hospitality that was not only of physical help to strangers, but was of spiritual because they saw what he did and it granted them a positive impression of the church. Then, third, John viewed Gaius’ life as a great example for all children of God to achieve in their own, seeking to be fellow helpers to the truth. Thus, all things considered, Gaius served as a great example of what Christian hospitality is supposed to be.

Second, John refers to a man name Diotrephes. There is no other mention in scripture to this man, but he remains one of the most known characters of the Bible because of that for which he is recognized. John said:

“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. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (vs. 9-11).

Diotrephes stands, and will stand, through history as a thorn in the side of God’s will. Wherein His expectation is that we love and help one another, looking toward the common good, Diotrephes rather despised what was good and right for his own self-righteous will. He rejected truth and thus rejected simple Christian hospitality, and continues to serve as an example of what Christian hospitality is not to be.

Then, third, John mentions briefly a man named Demetrius. About Demetrius, John wrote: “Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is truth” (vs. 12). Demetrius was known by all men, and a comparison to the standard supported the fact, as having a good report. There was nothing that could be held against Demetrius and John mentions him as one who could serve as an example to Gaius in his extended efforts to do good. Thus, like Gaius himself, Demetrius is a godly model of Christianity.

Too far have we moved away from the New Testament principles of Christian goodness. Let us, like Gaius, commit ourselves to Christian hospitality and realize the tool that it can be in seeking to evangelize the world. The fact remains, supported by III John, that without practicing Christian hospitality, we are not walking in truth.

-Andy Brewer

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