The 3rd Letter of John

I took the liberty of reading this brief item through once before beginning on a verse by verse inspection. I find that it has very little in the way of theology to recommend it, and has very much the flavor of a brief email "keeping in touch", as one says.  One must wonder what John said to this fellow when and if they met in person.

1:1 In keeping with his opening in the previous epistle, the writer refers to himself merely as "the elder".  This sobriquet opens itself to multiple possibilities.

• This is an official title. If so, it's noteworthy that he is "the" elder, not "an" elder.  Would Peter object to this seeming demotion?
• This is merely a nickname.  The affectionate tone of the note is compatible with opening the book "from your old friend."
• This is a way of distinguishing himself from some other John, of which there are many.  Insofar as his name is nowhere mentioned, this seems unlikely.
• This is something of a code word, and truthfully, this is not the only place where the writer seems to be judicious in disclosing identities.
• I'm seriously overthinking it.

1:4 There is no mention, either the Bible or in church tradition, of John having literal sons--or even a wife.  It's a tempting reading, however, to look at this as a work of actual paternal care.  Indeed, there is nothing to prevent such.

1:5 In contrast to Paul's proscriptions, which are often doctrinal, this seems rather personal.  Diotrephes' offense lay in his lack of charity--both toward John and to others in the early church.

1:11 It is easy to see why John was seen as closer to Christ than the other disciples.  This admonition mirrors the work of his mentor both in its simplicity and its spirit.  Additionally, like much of what Christ is reported to have said, it is incompatible with much of modern Christian doctrine.

In short, not much here to comment upon, but nothing to give offense either.