3Jo 12 | TNotes | STEP | 1:12 Demetrius was the very opposite of Diotrephes, a prime example of one who knows the truth and practices it (1:3 ). The placement of Demetrius’s name at the end of the letter suggests that he was the one who carried John’s letter to Gaius (cp. Col 4:7-9 ; 1 Pet 5:12 ). • you know we speak the truth: John wished to protect his honor as a reliable elder over these churches rather than being shamed by any possible usurpation by Diotrephes and other false teachers.

cCol 4:7-9►

d1 Pet 5:12►

‏ 3 John 12

1:12 ^a Demetrius was the very opposite of Diotrephes, a prime example of one who knows the truth and practices it (1:3 ^b). The placement of Demetrius’s name at the end of the letter suggests that he was the one who carried John’s letter to Gaius (cp. Col 4:7-9 ^c; 1 Pet 5:12 ^d).

• you know we speak the truth: John wished to protect his honor as a reliable elder over these churches rather than being shamed by any possible usurpation by Diotrephes and other false teachers.