1:12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
1:13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
1:14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Having spoken of Diotrophes the man who was hindering the work of God, John now speaks of Demetrius, a man who was just the opposite.
His name has no significant meaning, but his life did. We don't even have the details of what made up his good testimony. But, it's stated right here in the Holy Bible that he had one.
What is a good testimony? Good means, better, honest, goodly, excellent, choice, surpassing, useful, suitable, commendable, and admirable. And, to have a good testimony, means, that a person has a good report, that they bear witness to the truth, they are affirming what they have seen or heard, and in this context, it has to do with Jesus Christ. It's a life lived following Christ, serving Christ, and a life that speaks for itself if you will. Demetrius was such a man.
We are also told her, that his good testimony was from all, and that it was from the truth, and that John and his associates agreed with this. And, that Gaius knew that Demetrius's testimony was true. In other words, it was clear to everyone who knew him, what he was, and how he lived.
In closing out this letter, John once again, just as he did in 2nd John, says, I have so much I want to write to you about. His heart and mind were full of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, and he wanted to share it with Gaius. But, he also did not really want to write about it, but, was going to reserve it, hoping to come and see Gaius face to face.
He ended his letter by saying "Peace to you" What a beautiful true thought for Gauis, from John, from the Father, from the Son Jesus Christ. The wonderful peace of God, the peace that comes from God, being given to Gaius.
Peace means, to be undisturbed, to have quietness, to be exempt from rage and havoc. It speaks of harmony, unity, security, prosperity, that tranquil state of the soul.
It's when the soul is assured of it's salvation by it's faith in Jesus Christ. And, thus fearing nothing of retribution from God, and is absolutely content with it's earthly state, regardless of whatever it might be.
It's that blessed state of living and of devotion of upright men with God, and then of course after death when we leave these bodies and go to heaven with God, and with others who are already there, and with the holy angels, and with the Holy Spirit, the Son, the Father. And, where there will be no hatred and no sin, and no sickness, and no evil of any sort.
John's friends also sent their greetings to Diotrophes, and John asked him if he would in turn greet all of John and Diotrophes friends by name. Go to each one of them, and share with them our greeting as it were.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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