1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, 7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. 10Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
11Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God. 12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; 14but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.
Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Word Study: Bishop (Gk. ἐπίσκοπος, episkopos). (3:1; Acts 20:28; Phil 1:1; Titus 1:7; 1 Pet 2:25) Strong’s 1984
This word is only used five times in the NT. It is a compound noun formed from ἐπί (epi), “on, over,” and σκοπός (skopos), “goal, mark.” The cognate verb σκοπέω (skopeo) means to “pay careful attention, notice.” “Overseer” is a good literal translation of ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos). It can be used to mean “guardian” or “overseer, supervisor.” It is sometimes translated “bishop.” In this context of church leadership, it is used as a technical term and refers to oversight and supervision, all with a view to properly accomplishing the goal set before the church. This word may not be precisely synonymous with the word “elder” in the NT, but there is at least a great deal of overlap in the use of the two words (1 Tim 5:9; 1 Pet 5:1; 2 John 1; 3 John 1). Elders (overseers) and deacons have very similar qualifications for office, except elders are to be apt to teach and need to be able to defend against theological error. Deacons are not required to have the depth of theological understanding required of elders (1 Tim 3:9; Tit 1:9-13). As such, the main distinction between the two offices is gifting: elders must have speaking gifts, deacons serving gifts (1 Pet 4:10, 11). –SS