This elder in 3 John commend Gaius for his loyalty and his hospitality towards a group of traveling “brothers”. These “brothers” were brothers in the faith or missionaries. They were following the command of Jesus in Mark, chapter 6:8–9 to set out on a journey without any money. This elder requested that Gaius provide for these brothers to help continue them on their journey. Have you ever been a missionary?
Missionaries
The seventy (Lk 10:1-10:1)
“After this,
The Lord
Appointed seventy others.
He sent them
On ahead of him,
In pairs,
Into every town
And place
Where he himself
Intended to go.”
Μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα ἀνέδειξεν ὁ Κύριος ἑτέρους ἑβδομήκοντα, καὶ ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς ἀνὰ δύο πρὸ προσώπου αὐτοῦ εἰς πᾶσαν πόλιν καὶ τόπον οὗ ἤμελλεν αὐτὸς ἔρχεσθαι.
Luke uniquely spoke about these 70 disciples. He said that after these comments (Μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα) about the demands of discipleship, the Lord (ὁ Κύριος), not Jesus, appointed 70 others disciples (ἀνέδειξεν ἑτέρους ἑβδομήκοντα), who were not the 12 apostles. He sent them on ahead of him or his face (πρὸ προσώπου αὐτοῦ), in pairs (καὶ ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς ἀνὰ δύο), into every town and place (εἰς πᾶσαν πόλιν καὶ τόπον) where he himself intended to go (οὗ ἤμελλεν αὐτὸς ἔρχεσθαι). They were to be his front men or advance people. There was no mention of these 70 disciples in the other gospel stories, only here in Luke. This group of 70 was reminiscent of the elders with Moses in Numbers, chapter 11:24-25, where Moses gathered the 70 elders of the people around the tent. Then Yahweh took some of the Spirit that was upon him and put it upon the 70 elders. These elders temporarily prophesied. This sharing of power may have helped Moses, since God gave some of the power of his spirit to these 70 elders. Thus, the Jerusalem Jewish Sanhedrin had 70 members. These 70 missionaries of Jesus went out in pairs, two by two, a common practice in the early Church. Mark, chapter 6:7, said that Jesus sent out his 12 apostles in pairs, two by two, also. Interesting enough, the activities of these 70 missionaries seem to be much like the 12 apostles as described earlier in chapter 9:2-4. Have you ever been on a missionary expedition?
Take nothing (Lk 9:3-9:3)
“Jesus said to them.
‘Take nothing
For your journey!
Take no staff!
Take no bag!
Take no bread!
Take no money!
Do not take
Even an extra tunic!’”
καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς Μηδὲν αἴρετε εἰς τὴν ὁδόν, μήτε ῥάβδον μήτε πήραν μήτε ἄρτον μήτε ἀργύριον μήτε ἀνὰ δύο χιτῶνας ἔχειν.
Luke indicated that Jesus told the 12 apostles (καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτούς) to take nothing for their journey (Μηδὲν αἴρετε εἰς τὴν ὁδόν). They were not to take a staff (μήτε ῥάβδον), a bag (μήτε πήραν), bread (μήτε ἄρτον), or money (μήτε ἀργύριον). They were not to take even 2 tunics (μήτε ἀνὰ δύο χιτῶνας ἔχειν). Equivalent passages to this can be found in Matthew, chapter 10:9-10, and Mark, chapter 6:8-9, who is closer to Luke here. Mark indicated that Jesus told them what they could not bring with them on their mission. Jesus instructed them that they should not bring anything for their journey. They could only bring a staff or walking stick, but they could not bring any bread, a bag or a sack, or money in their belts. Mark said that they should wear sandals and have a walking stick, but without any food or bread. However, all 3 synoptics agreed that they did not need two tunics, since one would be enough. Matthew also indicated that Jesus told them what they could not bring with them on their mission. They were not to bring with them any gold, silver, or copper, in their money belts, since they did not need money. This was similar to what Mark had said about not bringing any money belts. They were not to take any bags or sacks for their journey. They were not to take two tunics, since one would be enough. They were not to take any sandals or a staff. However, these laborers did deserve their food. Mark had said that they should bring a staff or sandals, but not bring food. Matthew was the opposite. He said that they were not to bring sandals, but could bring food. They did not need any money or material things, but they certainly needed something to eat for nourishment. This was a very strong demand on these 12 missionaries of Jesus. Do you travel light with few things?
What to bring with you (Mt 10:9-10:10)
“Take no gold!
Take no silver!
Take no copper
In your belts!
Take no bag
For your journey!
Do not take
Two tunics!
Do not take
Sandals!
Do not take
A staff!
Laborers deserve
Their food.”
Μὴ κτήσησθε χρυσὸν μηδὲ ἄργυρον μηδὲ χαλκὸν εἰς τὰς ζώνας ὑμῶν,
μὴ πήραν εἰς ὁδὸν μηδὲ δύο χιτῶνας μηδὲ ὑποδήματα μηδὲ ῥάβδον· ἄξιος γὰρ ὁ ἐργάτης τῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ.
Equivalent passages to this can be found in Mark, chapter 6:8-9, and Luke, chapter 9:3. Jesus told them what they could not bring with them on their mission. They were not to bring with them any gold (Μὴ κτήσησθε χρυσὸν), silver (μηδὲ ἄργυρον), or copper (μηδὲ χαλκὸν) in their money belts (εἰς τὰς ζώνας ὑμῶν) since they did not need money. They were not to take any bag or sack for their journey (μὴ πήραν εἰς ὁδὸν). They were not to take two tunics (μηδὲ δύο χιτῶνας) since one would be enough. They were not to take any sandals (μηδὲ ὑποδήματα) or a staff (μηδὲ ῥάβδον). However, these laborers did deserve their food (ἄξιος γὰρ ὁ ἐργάτης τῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ). They did not need any money or material things, but they certainly needed something to eat or nourishment. This was a very strong demand on these missionaries of Jesus.
Exclusive Model of Salvation
The exclusive model holds that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, as the only Son of God, the only Savior. Jesus is the clearest way to salvation. Evangelicals believe that you are not saved unless you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior. Certainly, he is the “best.” Baptism in Jesus Christ brings the fullest revelation of truth. There may be positive values elsewhere, but can you learn anything else? The Christian Church is the one and only true religion. There is no salvation outside this church. Missionaries and evangelists have preached the need to know Jesus Christ as your personal savior.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 