In verse 11 we have what seems to be a general exhortation to do good and not evil. But in the context of the letter the evil example is most obviously Diotrephes, and the good example, Demetrius. Consequently, the exhortation leads directly into what follows. The personal nature of the maxim is conveyed by the word “imitate.”
The Greek word for “imitate” is mimeomai, which is always translated “follow” in the KJV. It occurs four times. It is closely related to the word mimētēs (“follower”), which occurs seven times. Once, in Ephesians 5:1, Christians are encouraged to be imitators of God. On another occasion, (1 Pet. 3:13), they are encouraged to be imitators of that which is good. But apart from these two instances, the examples in each case are human. Thus, Paul speaks three times of the need of Christians to imitate “us,” that is, the apostles (1 Thess. 1:6; 2 Thess. 3:7, 9). Twice he says “me” (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1). Once he speaks of being “followers [imitators] of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 2:14). The author of Hebrews twice speaks of imitating those whose lives are characterized by faith (Heb. 6:12; 13:7).
These texts convey a great lesson. For this is as much as to say that men and women will always imitate other men and women. However, Christian people must be careful whom it is that they imitate. Even in Christian circles there are bad examples, like Diotrephes, and there are good examples, like Demetrius. So choose your example carefully, John seems to be saying. Moreover, he gives the reason. For in attempting to imitate the good we indicate that we are of God, just as by imitating the bad those who do so indicated that they are not God’s children. John is not calling Gaius to imitate himself, however. There is an example closer at hand: Demetrius. We do not know anything about this Demetrius save what is told us in verse 12. He may have been the bearer of the letter. He may have been another member of the local church to which John is writing. All we know is that Gaius was acquainted with him and that he was highly commended by everyone, by the truth itself, and by the apostle. Demetrius may not have had the prestige and authority of Diotrephes. He apparently did not. But Demetrius is important nonetheless; for it is he, rather than Diotrephes, who should be imitated.
Thus it is that the first are made last and the last first (Matt. 19:30). Thus are the humble exalted and the mighty made low (Luke 1:52). Thus has God chosen “the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” He has chosen the “base things of the world, and things which are despised… and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are, that no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Cor. 1:27-29).
The conclusion to 3 John is similar to the verses which end 2 John, except that the author appends a far more personal greeting. “Peace be to thee. Our friends greet thee. Greet the friends by name.” The greeting “Peace be to thee” was adopted by Christians from Hebrew usage, though it was infused with new meaning by Jesus following His resurrection (John 20:19, 21, 26). It is strikingly appropriate at the close of a letter dealing with much strife and bitterness. Strife often bedevils the church. But in the midst of it there can always be that peace of the Lord Jesus Christ which passes all human understanding.
