3 John 1:1-2

The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

There has been much discussion in theological circles as to the author of the book of 3rd John. It stands to reason that the author of 3rd John is the beloved disciple, the apostle John. There should be, however, no doubt about the addressee of this letter, a beloved fellow servant of the LORD named Gaius. Scholars suggest that Gaius was a Corinthian who was baptized by the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 1:14). Apparently, John knew that he and Gaius had kindred spirits, because John loved Gaius with the love of Christ (v. 1). This is why John desired the best for Gaius. He told Gaius that he hoped, above all else, that Gaius would prosper and be healthy, the same way his soul prospers. In other words, as Gaius prospered in his life, John prayed that he would grow spiritually. John knew that Gaius' spiritual health was important as well as his physical and financial prosperity.

The sad fact is that the prosperity gospel has taken this verse so far out of context. Name it claim it preachers have used this verse to convince many in the church that God wants them to be wealthy and healthy. The truth is that God is more concerned with our salvation than our financial portfolio. God wants us to love and serve Him, because He knows that we cannot serve Him and wealth (Luke 16:13). The accumulation of material things will have no bearing on our eternal destiny. Our relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ will be our ticket to heaven. God warns us not to store up treasure here on earth (Matthew 6:19-21) but to store up treasure in heaven. That treasure will never decay nor will it ever be taken away from us.

Believers, let's dig deep into the scriptures. Let's study (2 Timothy 2:15) and make sure that we get the correct understanding and interpretation of God's Word.