Having outlived the other apostles and prophets, John wrote a number of letters in his later years. Three are part of the inspired Scriptures. Along with a general First Epistle he wrote personal letters to two godly Christians he knew. He does not mention where they lived. The one apparently was his sister-in-law, therefore of Jewish ancestry. The other has a common Gentile name. Each probably lived in a homeland somewhere around the Mediterranean Sea. John is known to have spent many of his later years in Ephesus. He was taken into custody by the Roman Emperor Nero and banished to the island of Patmos in the AEgean Sea (just southeast of Greece in the. the eastern Mediterranean). There he wrote the Apocalypse (Revelation) of Jesus Christ.
She was John’s sister-in-law, a mother, probably grandmother, whose children were mature enough to have embraced the truth taught by the Apostles. We don’t read of their father, whether he had died, abandoned her or was an unbeliever willing to live with her.
2 Corinthians 7:12-17 “But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? I But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.”
Whatever the case, spiritual leadership for the family home rested upon her. Though an Apostle, John writes to her as an ordinary older man (presbuteros) shepherding the flock. He is encouraging her as one under his pastoral care. Issuing a rebuke in this case would obviously be unwarranted by the circumstances. He sought to reenforce her resolve to walk in the truth. Don’t we all need this reinforcement and encouragement as well.
We all know women given to hospitality who love to serve others and welcome guests in their home. Hospitality is commended throughout scripture. Note Abraham entertained angels, Genesis 19:17 This ministry is a blessing to all. And it is particularly so for a widow for whom the fellowship of a visiting house guest may help fill in for the loneliness of widowhood. But the elder also felt he must admonish her to be discerning in her hospitality. Some itinerants traveling about were godly faithful men.
One named Demetrius, is commended to Gaius’ hospitality (3John). But John also saw among these roaming preachers many deceivers who were spreading teaching that was anti Christian. They do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. That is, they taught He was born an ordinary man who was anointed Christ after His birth.
They denied His deity, that He is the Eternal God the Son. The Christian’s response is simple. Do not welcome any of these inside our homes. Do not accept their literature and do not listen to them!!! Do not attempt to confront them. Give them a gospel tract and go inside. Do not say “goodbye” for that is a contraction for a blessing “God be with you.” “Tolerance” is the keynote of the worldly culture surrounding us nowadays and “intolerance” is roundly condemned. But here the Lord draws the line for the believer. Be gentle but firm.
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
If such a “narrow” path is laid out for individual believers it certainly should govern the Assembly of believers as well. Many scriptures speak to this. For example:
Timothy 2:15-21 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
“Separation truth” is seen as offensive by some and disparaged by many otherwise faithful saints of God. We need to faithfully heed what the Lord has said through His Apostles.
John closed stating that some things are best discussed face to face. Facial expression, body language, and tone and inflections of voice may give weight to urgent statements on the one hand. Or on the other hand, soften the tone of a loving admonishment. He added a personal greeting from his wife and children. Natural ties are to be honored and nourished wherever possible without compromising our faithfulness to the Lord. Enjoy!
Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; {of good..: or, modest;
Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; {men: or, things?
1Peter 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.