Hospitality - A Ministry of Truth

3 John 5–8 (NIV),

⁵ Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. ⁶ They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. ⁷ It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. ⁸ We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

2 John warns about welcoming false teachers.  3 John is an encouragement to Gaius for his hospitality to the right people. "John commends Gaius for receiving traveling Christian teachers with hospitality . . . Those who proclaim the message and those who encourage and support them work together in serving the truth." [1]  These traveling believers were sent out "for the sake of the Name." "Refers to the name of Christ (see 1 John 2:12; 3:23; 5:13). This is a mark of their worth and identifies them with the Christian evangelistic movement of the first century." [2]

"The admonition to send them on their way "in a manner worthy of God" shows the supreme importance assigned to hospitality. The phrase probably means that the traveling brothers were to be recognized as servants of God and supported as such. In such instances, Christians were to provide hospitality as if the Lord himself were being welcomed (cf. John 13:20; Gal 4:14-15; Heb 13:2)." [3]

Of course hospitality was required of all Christians (Matthew 10:10; Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10; Hebrews 13:2); and not expected from the "pagans" or non-Christians. The Greek word used here ( ἐθνικῶν), usually means Gentiles, but here it means non-Christians.  An interesting point can be made that "such usage indicates that the Christian community (made up of ethnic Jews and Gentiles) had come to see itself as the new Israel." [4]

God’s people have the privilege and responsibility to support God’s workers. But John doesn't leave it there.  He says "so that we may work together for the truth."  There is a role for everyone in the outreach efforts of the Church.  Even those who offer hospitality become partners in this "truth-giving mission."  

Father, hotels, motels, and RVs have all started to take the place of this First Century hospitality. What a blessing, as I recall the many preachers and missionaries that my parents showed the welcome sign to.  Today we live in bigger homes and we have more resources.  Grant Father that there be an openness, a welcome mat placed at the door for all of Your servants to see.  May the Church not lose the passion to welcome strangers into our homes.  What a practical and possible way to serve You and others in the work of Truth.

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1.Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (3 Jn 5). Nashville: T. Nelson.

2. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (3 Jn 7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

3. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:3 John/Exposition of 3 John/III. Commendation for Gaius's Hospitality (5-8), Book Version: 4.0.2

4. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (3 Jn 7). Nashville: T. Nelson. 

The Rule To Live By.

Galatians 6:16–18 (NIV),

¹⁶ Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God. ¹⁷ From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Now Paul adds this conclusion.  "Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule."   What is the rule that he is referring to?  Luther writes, "This is the only and true rule wherein we ought to walk, namely, the new creature." [1] That is from the verse just preceding, e.g., "he speaketh of the new creature, which is neither circumcision nor uncircumcision, but the new man created unto the image of God in righteousness and true holiness which inwardly is righteous in the spirit, and outwardly is holy and clean in the flesh." [1]

Other Commentators think that Paul's conclusion is more general, as applying to the Gospel.  For instance, "man needs a standard or a measuring rod to guide his steps. The law was a failure, so God has given us another standard, placing all our hopes of salvation in the crucified, buried, risen, and coming again Christ." [2]  Actually I find that verse 15 is amplifying verse 14.

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” (Galatians 6:14–15, NIV)  

So, I think that "the rule" applies to verse 14.  The rule is don't glory in the flesh; glory in the Cross. And to those who do, they will experience peace and mercy.   Then Paul identifies this group that glories only in Christ and the Cross.  He calls them the Israel of God.    "As if he said: They are the Israel of God, which with faithful Abraham believe the promises of God offered already in Christ, whether they be Jews or Gentiles, and not they which are begotten of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, after the flesh." [1]  This, of course, was handled by Paul in Galatians 3.  This is a clear contrast to ethnic Israel. "Those who received the Saviour who came through Israel are true Israelites, spiritual descendants of Abraham." [2].   This is the group were the promises of God and the peace and mercy of Christ belong.  

"I have faithfully taught the Gospel as I have received it by the revelation of Jesus Christ; whoso will not follow it, let him follow what he will, so that hereafter he trouble me no more." [3] Paul has expended his ammunition.  He has stated his case.  And to put the final nail in the argument he points to his own suffering.  Luther explains this well:

Paul is saying that "the marks that be in my body do show well enough whose servant I am. If I sought to please men, requiring circumcision and the keeping of the law as necessary to salvation, and rejoicing in your flesh as the false apostles do, I needed not to bear these marks in my body. But because I am the servant of Jesus Christ and walk after a true rule, that is, I openly teach and confess, that no man can obtain the favour of God, righteousness and salvation, but by Christ alone, therefore it behoveth me to bear the badges of Christ my Lord: which be not marks of mine own procuring, but are laid upon me against my will by the world and the devil, for none other cause but for that I preach Jesus to be Christ." [3]

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18, NIV) "A fitting conclusion to the letter in which Paul is most intensely concerned with God’s grace. The benediction summarizes Paul’s hope that among the Galatians the gospel of God’s grace will triumph." [4]  He begins and ends the Letter with grace.   

Steve and Vicki Cooke [5] wrote the words to this song:

I will glory in my Redeemer

Whose priceless blood has ransomed me.

Mine was the sin that drove the bitter nails

And hung Him on that judgment tree.

I will glory in my Redeemer

Who crushed the power of sin and death

My only Savior before the holy Judge

The Lamb who is my righteousness

The Lamb who is my righteousness.

This is my song of praise to You Father, this day as I conclude this great Letter.  My only Savior -- who is my righteousness.   Thank You Father.  Praise You, Jesus Christ. All glory to the Lamb.

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:16). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2402). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:17). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

4. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ga 6:18). Nashville: T. Nelson.

5. © 2001 Sovereign Grace Worship (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing (IMI))

• Steve Cook | Vikki Cook

A Genuine Pastor's Heart

Galatians 4:12–20 (NIV),

¹² I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. ¹³ As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, ¹⁴ and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. ¹⁵ Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? ¹⁷ Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. ¹⁸ It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. ¹⁹ My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, ²⁰ how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Luther is right when he states that "this place is not dialectical, but full of affections, which must be handled rhetorically." [1]  He means that Paul is not arguing his case here, but is appealing to the Galatians on an emotional level rather than a doctrinal level.  We are to read it that way.    So Paul appeals to the Galatians to hold to the same affection, the same charity that he has toward them.  Not all agree with this interpretation.  For example consider this notation:  "In order to bring the gospel to the Gentile Galatians, Paul had to leave behind the legal restrictions of the Mosaic ceremonial law that forbade Jewish interaction with Gentiles (1 Cor. 9:19–23). Paul became “like” the Galatians in freedom from the law and he now encourages them to be “like” him in freedom from legalistic bondage." [2]

Paul has applied a scathing rebuke to these believers but he affirms that their behavior did not do wrong to him.  In other words: "ye have not offended me, but yourselves, and therefore I am thus troubled, not for mine own cause, but for the love I bear unto you." [3]  Paul then reminds them of his time with them.  He refers to an illness that they bore admirably; and they welcomed him in a godly manner.   "The exact nature of this illness is not known. “Because” apparently means that Paul was detained in Galatia by this illness and therefore took the opportunity to preach to them." [4]  Luther likens this illness as part of Paul's affliction through persecution.  "We see then that Paul calleth “infirmities of the flesh” the afflictions which he suffered in the flesh, like as the other Apostles, the prophets, and all godly men did; notwithstanding he was mighty in spirit . . . Now this infirmity of the flesh in the godly doth wonderfully offend reason. Therefore Paul so highly commendeth the Galatians, because they were not offended with this great infirmity, and these vile [and contemptible] forms of the cross which they saw in him; but received him as an angel, yea as Christ Jesus." [5]

Now Paul plays his trump card.  “What has happened to the satisfaction you felt at that time? There were some of you then who, if possible, would have given your very eyes to me—that is how deeply you cared!” (Galatians 4:15, The Message).  What has changed?  "Am I an enemy because I told you the truth,?" Paul asks.  And then "he reproveth here the flattery of the false apostles. For Satan is wont, by his ministers, through wonderful subtilty and crafty sleights to beguile the simple, as Paul saith: “With fair speech and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. xvi. 18)." [5]

"As if he said: True it is that they are very zealous towards you, but by this means they seek that ye again should be zealous towards them and reject me." [5]   Zealousness and a seemingly loving approach do not in themselves mean that these false apostles are sincere.  They are simply 'sheepstealers.'  "It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good." [6]  "It is good for someone to take a warm interest in you in an honorable manner. Paul zealously sought the Galatians for Christ, and he welcomes all such efforts in relation to the gospel of Christ." [7]

Verse 19 exudes the tone of a true pastor, a true shepherd of the flock: “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,”  "In the OT, the image of a woman in distress during childbirth is juxtaposed with an act of great deliverance (Isa 42:14). Jesus also used this imagery when speaking to His disciples (John 16:21–22). Paul hopes that this letter will deliver the Galatians from the agitators’ distortion of the gospel." [8]

"Now, the form of a Christian mind is faith, or the confidence of the heart that layeth hold upon Christ, and cleaveth to him alone, and to nothing else." [9]  Paul would rather be there with them than write to them.  He believes his tone would be different in that case.  He longs to care for them as a true shepherd.  “. . . I am perplexed about you!” (Galatians 4:20b, NIV).   This is the Greek word ἀπορέω meaning: to be without resources, to be in straits, to be left wanting, to be embarrassed, to be in doubt, not to know which way to turn, etc. [10]   "Paul was at his wits’ end, not knowing the best way to prevent them from the error into which they were drifting." [11]  This too is the heart of a true pastor. The false shepherds have all the answers.  The true shepherds are perplexed within but know the One who does have the answer!

Father this is an insightful, challenging, comforting, convicting paragraph from Paul's pen.  As a pastor, it is timely and relevant.  Sometimes the shepherding of Your sheep is the most perplexing task.  With a sincere love for the truth and the people to whom You have given me responsibility I am often amazed at what I hear and see.  I think of those brothers and sisters who are affirming and kind and yet seem to unconsciously run after teachers that carry false and destructive messages. It's a quandary! Do they not hear me?  Is their applause simply fool's gold?  Father I pray that my heart will remain as the Apostles, loving and kind -- hopeful and confident, in You.  It's not about me.  It is my pride that assumes that everything I say and do has substantial affect.  Sometimes we have to hear things over and over to get it.  At the same time I do appreciate the love and encouragement that I get.  I will live with these times of perplexity and trust you to work them through.  I have a Great Shepherd.  To even His disciples He said they were "slow of learning."  But I too am His disciple and am no better than any other.  My Lord must look at me many times and be perplexed. "Why doesn't he get it?" He must think.   Thank you for the Cross.  Thank you for the Blood.  Thank you for the truth that nothing can snatch me from Your hand.   Lord Jesus, become fully formed in me and my Church.  Grant a Spirit-wrought revival of Christian maturity, for the glory of Christ. Amen.







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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 4:12). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
2. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ga 4:12). Nashville: T. Nelson.
3. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 4:12). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
4. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2252). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
5. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 4:13). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
6. The New International Version. 2011 (Ga 4:18). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
7. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2393). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
8. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ga 4:19). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
9. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 4:19). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
10. Strong, J. (2001). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software
11. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2393). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.