Whenever man makes religious organizations, distortions enter in because men are fallible. Some church groups are heavy handed by a controlling leader, such as the apostle John had to address. Some church groups get led in various directions trying to follow men, as Paul warned against. Jesus had the best approach, which was to send disciples out into communities without any food or money, as they went to announce the kingdom of heaven. Jesus’ disciples didn’t start churches at this point, but after Jesus was crucified and rose up, the disciples started churches which were a counterculture to the synagogues that they were being thrown out of. While the twelve disciples were healing people and casting out demons, the communities were hearing about the authority they had and wanted to know more. Today, we have churches that do not allow ministering healing or casting out demons, and the person who brings it up is ostracized and asked to leave. There is no walking in the Holy Spirit or gifts of the Spirit in operation there. It may be time to take the church out of the building. We might have to heal people on the street. And of course the biggest hindrance to that will be the religious leaders in the community. Peter told the religious leaders that it is better for them to listen to the Elohim rather than to listen to the religious leaders.
Matthew 9:35 G2532 And G4013 Jesus went about G3588 G* G3588 [2the G4172 3cities G3956 1all] G2532 and G3588 the G2968 towns, G1321 teaching G1722 in G3588 G4864 their synagogues, G1473 G2532 and G2784 proclaiming G3588 the G2098 good news G3588 of the G932 kingdom, G2532 and G2323 curing G3956 every G3554 disease, G2532 and G3956 every G3119 infirmity.
36 G1492 And having beheld G1161 G3588 the G3793 multitudes, G4697 he was moved with compassion G4012 for G1473 them, G3754 for G1510.7.6 they were G1590 fainting G2532 and G4495 dropping G5616 as G4263 sheep G3361 not G2192 having G4166 a shepherd.
37 G5119 Then G3004 he says G3588 to G3101 his disciples, G1473 G3588 For sure G3303 G2326 the harvest G4183 is great, G3588 but the G1161 G2040 workers G3641 few;
38 G1189 beseech G3767 then G3588 of the G2962 Lord G3588 of the G2326 harvest, G3704 so that G1544 he should cast G2040 workers G1519 into G3588 G2326 his harvest. G1473
Ekballo means literally “out throw”, or in our understanding “throw out”. Jesus says, pray to Yahweh to throw out laborers into the harvest, or to go and reap. Pray for the reapers. How does Jesus get more reapers? He throws the twelve out with authority. There should not be a chapter division here.
Matthew 10:1 G2532 And G4341 having called on G3588 G1427 [2twelve G3101 3disciples G1473 1his], G1325 he gave G1473 to them G1849 authority G4151 [2spirits G169 1of unclean], G5620 so as to G1544 cast them out, G1473 G2532 and G2323 to cure G3956 every G3554 disease G2532 and G3956 every G3119 infirmity.
Jesus sent out his twelve disciples. We are fortunate that they went out and made more disciples, as Jesus was made known and the kingdom of heaven was announced. This is our mission today. We should understand that people do not necessarily wander into our churches, but they need to hear about Jesus and the kingdom of heaven. This means that the church has to leave the building and bring it to the people who need it. However there is an obvious contention in the churches. Pastors do not always allow people to walk in their calling.
The Pharisees decided among themselves that they themselves were the standard of truth and the pillar of all that is holy. They were not. This is why they considered Jesus’ disciples illiterate.
Acts 4:13 G2334 And viewing G1161 G3588 the G3588 G* open manner of Peter G3954 G2532 and G* John, G2532 and G2638 taking it in G3754 that G444 [3men G62 2illiterate G1510.2.6 1they are] G2532 and G2399 common people, G2296 they marvelled; G1921 and they recognized G5037 G1473 them, G3754 that G4862 [2with G3588 G* 3Jesus G1510.7.6 1they were].
14 G3588 [3the G1161 1But G444 4man G991 2seeing] G4862 with G1473 them G2476 standing, G3588 the one G2323 having been cured, G3762 [2nothing G2192 1they had] G471 to contradict.
After Peter and John healed the lame man, the religious leaders were all in a fury. Yet they could not contend against them as the cured man was standing with them.
Acts 4:18 G2532 And G2564 having called G1473 them, G3853 they summoned G1473 them G3588 G2527 [3altogether G3361 1to not G5350 2utter a sound] G3366 nor G1321 to teach G1909 in G3588 the G3686 name G3588 G* of Jesus.
19 G3588 G1161 But G* Peter G2532 and G* John G611 answering G4314 to G1473 them G2036 said, G1487 If G1342 it is just G510.2.3 G1799 before G3588 G2316 God G1473 to hearken to you G191 G3123 rather G2228 than G3588 G2316 God, G2919 you judge!
20 G3756 [3are not G1410 4able G1063 1For G1473 2we] G3739 what G1492 we know G2532 and G191 hear G3361 to not G2980 speak.
Peter and John were bullied and threatened not to speak the name of Jesus, but their answer was that they would listen to the Elohim instead of to them. Many people find themselves in the same position today as church leaders try to manage their sheep. It is easier to stop someone from rising up in the Elohim rather than allow that one to challenge the status quo, and the people who make themselves the standard and pillars over others. Paul tells us that we all have been given a free a gift for the purpose of maturing the saints.
Ephesians 4:7 G1520 [3one G1161 1And G1538 2in each] G1473 of us G1325 was given G3588 the G5484 favor G2596 according to G3588 the G3358 measure G3588 of the G1431 gift G3588 of the G5547 Christ.
“But each one us given the therefore downward the limited portion the free gift the Messiah”.
Everyone is given, from heaven, the measure or portion of the free gift of the Messiah. Keep this idea in mind. Everyone is given a limited portion or a measure, everyone. The gift is from heaven. It is a free gift. What have each one of us been given? A portion from the Messiah.
Ephesians 4:8 G1352 Therefore G3004 he says, G305 Having ascended G1519 into G5311 the height G162 he captured G161 the captivity, G2532 and G1325 he gave G1390 gifts G3588 G444 to men.
"Wherefore speak: Ascended into heights to take prisoner a captive multitude and gave presents the manfaced.”
Jesus did this, he set those captives in death, Abraham’s Bay, free, allowing them to enter Paradise, which had been closed since the adam. Then Jesus gave us presents. We are supposed to speak this to others.
Ephesians 4:9 G3588 And the one G1161 G305 that ascended, G5100 what G1510.2.3 is it G1508 unless G3754 that G2532 also G2597 he came down G4412 first G1519 unto G3588 the G2737 lower G3313 parts G3588 of the G1093 earth?
“But the ascended one is if not that and descended first into the lower inferior section the earth.”
Before Jesus ascended into heaven he descended into the lower section of the earth, rounded up the captive multitude, and then ascended. Speak this too. Jesus descended then ascended.
Ephesians 4:10 G3588 The one G2597 having come down, G1473 he G1510.2.3 is G2532 also G3588 the one G305 having ascended G5231 up above G3956 all G3588 the G3772 heavens, G2443 that G4137 he should fulfill G3588 all things . G3956
“The descended he is and the ascended over all the heavens in order that the all.”
Jesus is the descended and the ascended. He is known as both. Speak it out. Jesus descended and he led a captive multitude out of death to paradise. He then ascended into the heavens, the right hand of the Father.
Ephesians 4:11 G2532 And G1473 he G1325 gave G3588 some indeed for G3303 G652 apostles, G3588 G1161 and some G4396 prophets, G3588 G1161 and some G2099 evangelists; G3588 G1161 but some G4166 shepherds G2532 and G1320 teachers,
“And he gave the indeed apostles but the prophets but the evangelists but the shepherds and teachers.”
Apostle: a delegate, an ambassador, a messenger
Prophet: an inspired speaker, a foreteller, an interpreter of oracles
Evangelists: preacher of the gospel, bringer of good tidings
Shepherds: a herdsmen, a pastor, root meaning “to protect”
Teachers: instructor, master, doctor
After descending and ascending Jesus gave people to enlarge his body and make it complete.
Ephesians 4:12 G4314 for G3588 the G2677 readying G3588 of the G39 holy ones G1519 for G2041 a work G1248 of service, G1519 for G3619 edification G3588 of the G4983 body G3588 of the G5547 Christ;
“For the downward completing the saints into works service into building the body the Messiah.”
The different functions are different works of service, building the body of the Messiah to complete the holy ones. While we know many translators cite the word αγίων as G39 hagion, WH notes it should be ἅγιος G40 hagios. Hagion means holy place or sacred thing, but hagios means holy person, a saint.
Ephesians 4:13 G3360 until G2658 we should [2arrive G3588 G3956 1all] G1519 in G3588 the G1775 unity G3588 of the G4102 belief, G2532 and G3588 of the G1922 full knowledge G3588 of the G5207 son G3588 G2316 of God, G1519 in G435 [2man G5046 1a perfect], G1519 in G3358 the measure G2244 of the stature G3588 of the G4138 fullness G3588 of the G5547 Christ;
“Until all downward arrive the into the oneness the belief and the over knowledge the sons the Elohim into complete man into portion maturity the completion the Messiah.”
There will be a day, when we divinely, from heaven, all arrive into oneness of faith and knowledge, making a complete person, into our own portion of maturity, the completion of the Messiah. When is this? On the day of the harpazo. The body is gathered from the earth with the purpose of completing our maturity in Christ. The harpazo’d ones will all be at different levels of maturity but complete because we have reached our personal maturity in the Messiah. The harpazo is for so much more than just a Christians escape from the earth.
Ephesians 4:14 G2443 that G3371 no longer G1510.3 should we be G3516 infants, G2831 being swelled G2532 and G4064 carried round about G3956 by every G417 wind G3588 of the G1319 instruction, G1722 in G3588 the G2940 cunning G3588 G444 of men, G1722 in G3834 cleverness G4314 to G3588 the G3180 craft G3588 of the G4106 delusion.
“In order that no longer be infants surged and transported every wind the doctrine in the trickery the manfaced in craftiness toward the scheming the wandering.”
Maturity and completion is not being fooled with every idea that floats by. The purpose of the maturity is so that we are not lost in Satanas’ whirlwind of deceit and delusions.
Ephesians 4:15 G226 But being truthful G1161 G1722 in G26 love, G837 we should grow G1519 in G1473 him G3588 in all things, G3956 G3739 which G1510.2.3 is G3588 the G2776 head -- G3588 the G5547 Christ;
“But true in love, enlarge into Him the all who is the head the Messiah.”
Being true in love we grow into Jesus Messiah, the head of the body. This is the purpose of the five ministries listed, each one of us can function in all of them. All of us can be sent with a message to people or speak by inspired words, aka in-spirit-action. We can all talk about the gospel, gather and organize new believers, and we can all teach. Love is the only requirement.
Ephesians 4:16 G1537 from G3739 whom G3956 all G3588 the G4983 body G4883 being fitted together, G2532 and G4822 being instructed G1223 by G3956 every G860 ligament G3588 G2024 of supply, G2596 according to G1753 energy G1722 in G3358 measure G1520 [2one G1538 1of each] G3313 part, G3588 the G838 growth G3588 of the G4983 body G4160 to produce for itself G1519 to G3619 the construction G1438 of itself G1722 in G26 love.
“Out of who all the body close-jointed together and knit together through all ligaments the provision downward effectual working in portion each one share the increase the body to make into structure itself in love.”
The point of the gifts is to grow all believers up into the Body of Christ. This means that everyone has a calling and a mission. There are more than five ministries in the Body of Christ, these are not exclusive by any means. Everyone in the Body of Christ has a calling a mission, a way to serve the rest of the Body. Jesus would like to throw you out into the world, just as he did the twelve.
How do we start working in our ministry? We simply start serving. It does not have to be in a church, it could be at a food bank. Maybe someone who has a ministry of encouragement could touch a lot of hearts and lives for Jesus in a food bank. If we are working and do not have time for extra service, make co-workers and customers the mission field. While we may not be able to speak the gospel during work hours, we can make people want to hear it. When they do, we can share the gospel at lunch.
We are not bound to a church or the pastor’s organization. We are called by Jesus and gifted for His purpose. If we cannot find a church we can start one in our home. We can start an internet video church from our home. Start by reading from one of the books of the Bible, like Matthew. Read a chapter per week. Pray for one another, and commune together on line. We have so many ways to reach others. We can be creative.
The promises of the Elohim are yes and amen.
2 Corinthians 1:20 G3745 For as many G1063 G1860 promises G2316 of God there are, G1722 in G1473 him G3588 is the G3483 yes, G2532 and G1722 in G1473 him G3588 the G281 amen G3588 to G2316 God G4314 for G1391 glory G1223 by G1473 us.
21 G3588 And the one G1161 G950 firming G1473 us G4862 with G1473 you G1519 unto G5547 Christ, G2532 and G5548 having anointed G1473 us, G2316 is God;
As a believer in Christ you already have an anointing to be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher. Paul is explaining that Jesus sent him. Remember, Paul established the churches that he writes letters to and they are growing, so he is reminding them that the Elohim anointed Paul and his companions, and He sealed them and deposited the Spirit in their heart.
2 Corinthians 1:22 G3588 even the one G2532 G4972 setting a seal upon G1473 us, G2532 and G1325 having given G3588 the G728 deposit G3588 of the G4151 spirit G1722 in G3588 G2588 our hearts. G1473
4972 LSJ Gloss:σφραγίζωto seal
Dodson:σφραγίζω I set a seal upon I seal, set a seal upon.
TBESG:σφραγίζω to seal
G:V
(AS)
Thayer:
1) to set a seal upon, mark with a seal, to seal
1a) for security: from Satan
1b) since things sealed up are concealed (as the contents of a letter), to hide, keep in silence, keep secret
1c) in order to mark a person or a thing
1c1) to set a mark upon by the impress of a seal or a stamp
1c2) angels are said to be sealed by God
1d) in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing
1d1) to confirm authenticate, place beyond doubt
1d1a) of a written document
1d1b) to prove one's testimony to a person that he is what he professes to be
σφραγίζω
sphragizō sfrag-id'-zo From G4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication to keep secret, to attest
KJV Usage: (set a, set to) seal up, stop.
728 Dodson:ἀρραβών an earnest, earnest-money an earnest, earnest-money, a large part of the payment, given in advance as a security that the whole will be paid afterwards.
TBESG:ἀρραβών guarantee
G:N-M
(AS)
Thayer:
1) an earnest
1a) money which in purchases is given as a pledge or downpayment that the full amount will subsequently be paid
ἀῤῥαβών
arrhabōn ar-hrab-ohn' Of Hebrew origin [H6162]; a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest KJV Usage: earnest.
As born again believers we are all sealed and we all have the deposit of the Holy Spirit in our heart. This is how we can get thrown out into the world to announce that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. We have the same authority that Jesus gave the twelve disciples.
2 Corinthians 1:23 G1473 And I G1161 G3144 [2 as witness G3588 G2316 1call upon God] G1941 G1909 upon G3588 G1699 my G5590 soul, G3754 that G5339 sparing G1473 you, G3765 no longer G2064 did I come G1519 to G* Corinth.
Paul had other churches to attend to so he is saying that he was not intentionally refraining from visiting them. Now pay close attention to Paul’s next statement. Paul says that he does not dominate or rule over their faith.
2 Corinthians 1:24 G3756 Not G3754 that G2961 we dominate G1473 [3of yours G3588 1of the G4102 2belief], G235 but G4904 we are fellow-workers G1510.2.4 G3588 G5479 of your joy; G1473 G3588 for in the G1063 G4102 belief G2476 you stand.
2961 LSJ Gloss:κυριεύωto be lord
Dodson:κυριεύω I have authority, rule over.
TBESG:κυριεύω to lord over
G:V
(AS)
Thayer:
1) to be lord of, to rule, have dominion over
2) of things and forces
2a) to exercise influence upon, to have power over
κυριεύω
kurieuō koo-ree-yoo'-o From G2962; to rule KJV Usage: have dominion over, lord, be lord of, exercise lordship over.
4904 LSJ Gloss:συνεργός working together, joining
Dodson:συνεργός a fellow worker a fellow worker, associate, helper.
TBESG:συνεργός co-worker
G:A
(AS)
Thayer:
1) a companion in work, fellow worker
συνεργός
sunergos soon-er-gos' From a presumed compound of G4862 and the base of G2041; a co-laborer, that is, coadjutor KJV Usage: companion in labour, (fellow-) helper (-labourer, -worker), labourer together with, workfellow.
Paul says they (he and his companions) do not lord over the Corinthians’ faith. It is very easy for entire churches to be dominated by the pastor, and for the pastor to dominate the faith of the congregation. Does the pastor tell people what they can believe? What if someone believes something different? For example, if a church is non-charismatic and they do not believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit and or the gifts of the Holy Spirit, someone who comes into that church with their beliefs of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit will disrupt the congregation. The pastor will lord over or dominate the belief system of the charismatic person. Now there is a choice here. Either the charismatic person stays quiet so as to not upset the congregation, or the charismatic person does not attend that congregation. While we are not sent to the saved in order to educate them, we are supposed to be maturing the saints with the free gifts and ministries. Yet if this is the level of education the people want then that is their maturity level. Since we are sent to the unsaved, we might have to find the unsaved out in the community instead of in the church buildings. And if someone wants to learn more then they can find in a different church, or study on their own.
Here we see Paul says that they (Paul and his companions) are not lording over the Corinthians faith, but are fellow workers in cheerful abiding faith. This means Paul expects them to work like he works, do the things he does, and produce mature saints to become complete in the Messiah. Paul deconstructs our church model by lowering his position and elevating everyone else. Everyone’s church model should follow Paul’s words to the Corinthians.
Church leaders and denomination boards all put together their own bylaws designed to lord over others. If there are “rules” that one strongly disagrees with, move on, find a different congregation or start one without the rules. There is plenty of room for new congregations.
Paul’s words to the entire congregation at Corinth means everyone works together with Paul and his companions. Everyone are apostles together, everyone are prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. Cheerfully working together.
Earlier in Pauls’ first letter to the Corinthians he explained that they didn’t have to attach themselves to one person. Apollos came from a culture where everyone was baptized in the Holy Spirit naturally without the laying on of hands and prayer. It is borne out of the holiness and faith of an individual, as on the Day of Pentecost and Cornelius’ house. Others including Paul led people into the baptism by laying on of hands. In Pauls’ letter he tells them to stop being carnal and understand that Paul started the church and Apollos taught more at the church from his knowledge bank but it is the Elohim that causes us to grow.
1 Corinthians 3:8 G3588 [2the one G5452 3planting G1161 1And] G2532 and G3588 the one G4222 watering G1520 are one; G1510.2.6 G1538 and each G1161 G3588 [2his own G2398 G3408 3wage G2983 1shall receive] G2596 according to G3588 his own G2398 G2873 toil.
Paul explains that each are doing something for the Elohim and will be paid from the Elohim for their work. All fellow-workers are building the body for the Messiah.
1 Corinthians 3:9 G2316 [4of God G1063 1For G1510.2.4 2we are G4904 3fellow-workers], G2316 of God's G1091 farm. G2316 [2God's G3619 3construction G1510.2.5 1You are].
Paul says that he and Apollos are fellow-workers for the Elohim’s farm. He says the people are the Elohim’s structure.
1 Corinthians 3:10 G2596 According to G3588 the G5484 favor G3588 G2316 of God, G3588 the one G1325 being given G1473 to me, G5613 as G4680 a wise G753 architect G2310 [2 the foundation G5087 1I set], G243 and another G1161 G2026 builds. G1538 [3each G1161 1But G991 2let] take heed G4459 how G2026 he builds!
Paul was from the concrete company and Apollos was from the framing company.
1 Corinthians 3:11 G2310 [3foundation G1063 1For G243 2another] G3762 no one G1410 is able G5087 to set G3844 except G3588 the one G2749 being laid, G3739 which G1510.2.3 is G* Jesus G5547 Christ.
Paul poured the foundation of Jesus Messiah. No one would call a second concrete company to change the foundation of Jesus Messiah.
1 Corinthians 3:12 G1487 And if G1161 G5100 anyone G2026 builds G1909 upon G3588 G2310 this foundation G3778 G5557 gold, G696 silver, G3037 [2stones G5093 1precious], G3586 wood, G5528 grass, G2562 stubble;
How well can Apollos frame the barn, will it withstand a hurricane, a tornado, or a fire? Did he use concrete, steel, stone, or wood?
1 Corinthians 3:13 G1538 [3of each G3588 1the G2041 2work G5318 5apparent G1096 4shall become]; G3588 for the G1063 G2250 day G1213 will manifest it . G3754 For G1722 by G4442 fire G601 it is revealed; G2532 and G1538 of each G3588 G2041 work G3697 [4what it is like G1510.2.3 G3588 1the G4442 2fire G1381 3shall prove].
When Jesus sets it on fire what will be left?
1 Corinthians 3:14 G1536 If anyone's G3588 G2041 work G3306 abides G3739 which G2026 he built upon, G3408 [2a wage G2983 1he shall receive].
If Apollos is a good builder he will receive a reward. Here lies a key for us all. How are we building the people around us? Are we teaching them to be strong as steel, or soft as hay?
1 Corinthians 3:15 G1536 If anyone's G3588 G2041 work G2618 shall be incinerated, G2210 he shall suffer loss; G1473 G1161 but G4982 he shall be delivered; G3779 but thus G1161 G5613 as G1223 through G4442 fire.
Think of the pastor who lords over his congregation, hindering people from growing up and becoming mature and complete. All his congregation has to do is believe on the pastor, call him for prayer, and trust he can help, instead of learning to call on the Elohim, pray to the Elohim, and trust the Elohim. Pastors build a co-dependent relationship with their congregations so that they can stay employed, but are they maturing the saints?
1 Corinthians 3:16 G3756 Do you not G1492 know G3754 that G3485 [2a temple G2316 3of God G1510.2.5 1you are], G2532 and G3588 the G4151 spirit G3588 G2316 of God G3611 lives G1722 in G1473 you?
If the Spirit of Elohim lives in us and we are the temple of the Elohim, then we have a direct communication line to the Elohim. We do not need to talk to the pastor, the priest, or to Mary, about our lives, we are seen and known. Albeit some people do not mind relegating the responsibility of thinking for themselves to others. It would seem some people do not like to take accountability for their own lives.
1 Corinthians 3:17 G1536 If anyone G3588 [2the G3485 3temple G3588 G2316 4of God G5351 1corrupts], G5351 [2shall corrupt G3778 3this one G3588 G2316 1God]; G3588 for the G1063 G3485 temple G3588 G2316 of God G39 is holy, G1510.2.3 G3748 which G1510.2.5 you are. G1473
One situation where this understanding is critical is with an abusive pastor. How many times has a pastor, or youth pastor manipulated someone into a sexual relationship? Why would a pastor corrupt someones temple? Because they do not see the saints as fellow-workers but instead ignorant sheep. If someone can manipulate others for money, power and sex, then they are not to be trusted, ever.
John writes to Gaius, a fellow-worker in the Elohim. John explains some of the opposition he faces. John is dealing with a difficult situation as there is a church leader who is stealing the congregation from Jesus. This person has put John in a tough position, so John is writing to Gaius to inform him of the situation and expose the evil church leader. John is the last surviving disciple who walked with Jesus. His is old and has to deal with this unpleasant pastor. There is nothing new under the sun.
3 John 1:5 G27 Beloved, G4103 [2trusting G4160 1do] G3739 what G1437 ever G2038 you should work G1519 among G3588 the G80 brethren, G2532 and G1519 among G3588 the G3581 strangers,
6 G3588 (the ones G3140 witnessing G1473 [3of yours G3588 1to the G26 2love] G1799 before G1577 the assembly), G3739 whom G2573 [2well G4160 1you shall do] G4311 having sent forward G516 worthily G3588 G2316 of God.
John is joyful and trusts what Gaius is doing among the brothers and the strangers. The strangers, or the non-saved are seeing the love between Gaius and the people in assembly. Gaius sent some people who were worthy of the Elohim to John and John is commending them as fellow-workers.
3 John 1:7 G5228 For on account of G1063 G3588 G3686 his name G1473 G1831 they went forth G3367 [2nothing G2983 1taking] G575 from G3588 the G1484 nations.
8 G1473 We G3767 then G3784 ought G618 to accept G3588 G5108 such, G2443 that G4904 [2fellow-workers G1096 1we should become] G3588 in the G225 truth.
Gaius sent people out not taking anything, as the twelve did. John says to receive these fellow-workers and work together in truth. Now John exposes Diotrephes.
3 John 1:9 G1125 I wrote G3588 to the G1577 assembly, G235 but G3588 the one G5383 enjoying being first G1473 of them -- G* Diotrephes, G3756 does not G1926 welcome G1473 us.
John wrote to a church where Diotrephes was a religious leader and Diotrephes disregarded John’s letter. Diotrephes wanted to be first or be the head of the assembly and did not want to receive John and the people John was with as guests. Understand Diotrephes probably had a congregation near Gaius. Diotrephes is taking the place of Jesus Messiah in his congregation. John is writing to Gaius because Diotrephes doesn’t want John to visit. The idea is that the word will get out and the people in Diotrephes’ congregation will have to make a decision, to either stick with Diotrephes or go see John somewhere else. If enough people find out that John wants to visit, then John will come and expose Diotrephes and his evil behaviors.
3 John 1:10 G1223 On account of this, G3778 G1437 if G2064 I come, G5279 I will remind G1473 him G3588 the G2041 works G3739 which G4160 he does -- G3056 [2words G4190 1evil] G5396 prating against G1473 us. G2532 And G3361 not G714 being sufficient G1909 with G3778 these, G3777 neither G1473 he himself G1926 welcomes G3588 the G80 brethren, G2532 and G3588 the ones G1014 wanting to G2967 he restrains, G2532 and G1537 [2of G3588 3the G1577 4assembly G1544 1casts them out].
Diotrephes is going to be exposed by the elderly John. John will expose how Diotrephes speaks evil of John and his company, and how he does not welcome the saints. He is restraining the congregants from receiving the saints, and throws those congregants who do receive them out of the assembly. Diotrephes seems like a narcissistic pastor. This behavior is called Christian witchcraft. It happens in a church where the leader is presumed to be a Christian but does not behave like one. They look the part, they sometimes act the part, but when faced with truth they become evil tyrants. No one is forced to go to a church where the pastor is a manipulator, an oppressor, or a domineering narcissist. Diotrephes was lording over people. Expose the corrupt leaders and do not give them money.
Christian witchcraft is a problem. It is abusive manipulation, and it happens everywhere. Some pastors distort Biblical text to lie, steal, and condemn the congregants. They oppress people from rising up in knowledge and in ministry led by the Holy Spirit. They intimidate people into keeping quiet and not upsetting the status quo by threatening to throw people out of the congregation so that people cower in fear, believing the pastor to be god. Diotrephes made the assembly all about him, and his opinions, and his desires. The church assembly should be all about Jesus Messiah, but Diotrephes probably found this congregation was a lucrative job. It is possible he wasn’t even saved. Obviously he was not walking in love and he did not esteem John as a fellow-worker.
3 John 1:11 G27 Beloved, G3361 do not G3401 imitate G3588 G2556 evil, G235 but G3588 the G18 good! G3588 The one G15 doing good G1537 [2of G3588 G2316 3God G1510.2.3 1is]; G3588 but the one G1161 G2554 doing evil G3756 has not G3708 seen G3588 G2316 God.
Don’t be like Diotrephes. Don’t be the overlord of the assembly. Now John writes about the conversion of someone interesting.
3 John 1:12 G* To Demetrius G3140 witness is borne G5259 by G3956 all, G2532 and G5259 by G1473 [3itself G3588 1the G225 2truth]; G2532 and we also G1473 G1161 G3140 bear witness, G2532 and G1492 you know G3754 that G3588 G3141 our witness G1473 G227 is true. G1510.2.3
Some people suppose that the Demetrius that John is mentioning was the silversmith of Ephesus who started the uprising against Paul spoken of in Acts 19. Demetrius became one who testifies of Jesus, one who bears witness. John says they have all seen Demetrius confessing Jesus is Lord. John and the people of Ephesus all know Demetrius’ witness of Jesus is true. This is a victory! It is interesting that one of the people who persecuted Paul ended up saved, and the believers in Ephesus have all seen this. John lived in Ephesus before and after his imprisonment on Patmos and was ministering to the churches in the region. One would think that the last living disciple of Jesus Messiah would have some respect among religious leaders, but as we see, money and power corrupts.
Sometimes our man-made organizations can be a blessing and sometimes they can be a curse. The emotional toll they can inflict on the saints can stunt peoples maturity. It is simply up to us to throw off the bondage of religious dogmas and simply throw ourselves out into our communities and make more disciples. The adversity we will face is not any different than everyone else faced. We will be condemned for healing people, we will be threatened with being cast out of an assembly for walking in our ministry, we will be oppressed, and intimidated, and if possible we will be manipulated. The disciples faced it all too. We will be spoken of negatively, Jesus knows it all. In the end, the one who descended and ascended did it for us and gave us gifts. Now we walk in our portion of the free gifts he has given us cheerfully as fellow-workers.
