When John was an older man, he was the last living apostle who spends his last years as a prisoner on the isle of Patmos. He was disowned by the Jews long ago. The Gentile government persecuted him and was cast aside by churches that named the name of Christ. The latter probably hurt more than the former. To use our vernacular, we might say he was being “canceled.” Diotrephes wouldn’t receive John because he loved preeminence among the churches (3 John 9-11), and the heretics were actively working to destroy the churches from within with their false doctrine (2 John 7-11).
But in First John, he makes it very clear that he is not concerned with how he is perceived among the heretics and doesn’t need Diotrephes nor his ilk. John turns his attention to faithful believers and reassures them of the truth in Christ Jesus, the true Jesus. John’s purpose in writing this letter was that God’s people would have joy in Christ. That joy comes in knowing Christ, being confident in the truth, and having the assurance of salvation. He also writes that believers know and would have fellowship with him and with God. Imagine you meet as a church in your home. You are just a small group of people. But there is a growing faction with many intelligent, well-spoken, charismatic men who claim to have insight into the deep things of God that John (according to the heretics) doesn’t have. They are telling all who would hear they have authentic Christianity, a better way. John did his part, but he got some things wrong, and they were improving upon what had been taught.
John writes this letter and reminds us that he was there when Jesus walked the Earth. Despite what these guys were teaching, John knew the real Jesus. He was an eyewitness and can tell you that the heretics are wrong. In First John, he will tell you about Jesus so you can fellowship with him. You can walk and believe with the apostles. There are two fellowships, and John invites you to come with him and not join the fellowship of darkness. Communion with Christ is what’s important, not coalitions with darkness.
Because to believe the Scripture, is to have fellowship with John by believing his testimony. You believe what the Apostle lived and died for, what he believed with all of his heart. The truth which motivated him and drove him. His hope, his faith. By receiving this gospel, you have the same hope, love, and object of faith and have joined the fellowship of the apostolic teaching.
And by receiving this truth, you have fellowship with the Holy Trinity. You are united to Jesus Christ in a real and vital union by receiving the gospel of Life. You are adopted into the family, and God is your Father. You are one in Christ and have fellowship with God.
With that being the case, who cares if others cancel you?
