In the short but profoundly impactful epistle of 3 John, the apostle John expresses a deep joy in hearing that the believers are walking in the truth. In verse 4, he writes: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” This statement provides a foundation for understanding how Christians in the first century were expected to live and how true Christianity should be practiced today. What does it mean to “walk in the truth”? How did the early Christians interpret and live out this call, and how should we apply it in our modern context?

The call to “walk in the truth” is not just about intellectual assent to certain beliefs; it involves a daily lifestyle of faithfulness, obedience, and adherence to the teachings of Scripture. Understanding how this looked in the early Christian community and how it should look today will help us remain faithful to biblical truth and avoid the errors and corruptions that have crept into the faith throughout history.

How Did First-Century Christians Walk in the Truth?

The Importance of Scripture

The foundation of walking in the truth for the first-century Christian community was rooted in their commitment to the Scriptures. While the New Testament was still being written and circulated, the Hebrew Scriptures (what we know as the Old Testament) were already held in high regard as God’s inspired Word. The early Christians understood that “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). They recognized the necessity of grounding their lives and their communities in God’s Word, both in the Hebrew Scriptures and the teachings of the apostles, which would later form the New Testament.

The first-century believers placed their hope in the promises of God and the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus Christ. Peter explained, “We have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). This reliance on Scripture as the ultimate guide to truth is an essential component of walking in the truth.

Faithfulness to the Teachings of Christ

First-century Christians were deeply committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ. They recognized Him as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Following Jesus meant not only believing in His sacrificial death and resurrection but also adhering to His ethical and moral teachings. Jesus consistently called His followers to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This love was not merely a feeling but was expressed through action, as seen in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Jesus also called His disciples to a life of humility, servanthood, and self-sacrifice. In Matthew 16:24, He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” The early Christians took these commands seriously, living lives of dedication to Christ’s teachings and to the mission of spreading the gospel. This involved making personal sacrifices, such as sharing resources with those in need, caring for the poor and the marginalized, and enduring persecution for the sake of Christ.

Devotion to Fellowship and Unity

In the first century, Christian fellowship played a critical role in maintaining spiritual vitality and walking in the truth. Acts 2:42-47 describes the early believers as being “devoted to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” They shared all things in common and supported each other not only spiritually but also materially. The sense of community and unity among early Christians was one of the defining features of their faith.

Paul frequently emphasized the importance of unity in the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:3, he urged believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” The unity of the early church was not merely about doctrinal agreement but was also reflected in the practical love and support that believers showed for one another. They viewed themselves as one family in Christ, committed to bearing one another’s burdens and helping each other walk in the truth.

Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel

Walking in the truth for the early Christians also meant being bold in proclaiming the gospel, even in the face of persecution and opposition. Acts 4:29 recounts the prayer of the early church: “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.” Despite facing severe opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities, the first-century believers remained committed to spreading the message of Christ’s salvation.

The apostles and early evangelists like Paul exemplified this boldness. In Romans 1:16, Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” The early Christians recognized that walking in the truth involved not only personal adherence to Christ’s teachings but also a commitment to sharing that truth with others, no matter the cost.

How Should True Christianity Look Today?

In light of the example set by the first-century Christians, how should believers today walk in the truth? The same principles that guided the early church are still relevant today, as Scripture’s truths are timeless and unchanging.

Grounded in Scripture

Just as the first-century Christians were devoted to Scripture, so should Christians today maintain a strong commitment to the Bible as the inspired Word of God. It is essential to resist the pressures of modern culture that seek to undermine the authority of Scripture or to reinterpret it to fit secular ideologies. As Christians, we must hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word and recognize that “the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

Modern Christians must also be discerning in their study of Scripture, using the objective Historical-Grammatical method of interpretation, which seeks to understand the Bible in its original context and meaning. This approach helps avoid the subjective interpretations that can arise from reading personal biases or cultural trends into the text.

Faithfulness to Christ’s Teachings

In today’s world, where moral relativism often reigns, Christians must remain faithful to the teachings of Christ, even when they conflict with the prevailing societal norms. Jesus’ call to love God and love others is still the greatest commandment for His followers, but that love must be expressed in ways that align with biblical truth. True love involves telling others the truth about sin, repentance, and salvation through Christ, even when it is unpopular or uncomfortable.

Christians today must also follow Jesus’ example of humility and self-sacrifice. In a culture that often promotes self-interest and personal fulfillment above all else, believers are called to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24). This means making sacrifices for the sake of the gospel, whether that be through financial giving, serving others, or enduring persecution for the sake of Christ.

Commitment to Fellowship and Unity

Just as the early Christians were committed to fellowship and unity, modern believers must prioritize gathering together for worship, study, and mutual encouragement. Hebrews 10:25 exhorts believers not to “neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” The church is meant to be a community where believers support one another in their walk with Christ and hold each other accountable to the truth.

Unity in the body of Christ is essential, but this unity must be based on the truth of Scripture. While there may be differences in secondary matters, Christians must stand firm on the core doctrines of the faith and avoid compromising biblical truth for the sake of a superficial unity.

Proclaiming the Gospel with Boldness

In an increasingly secular world, Christians are called to boldly proclaim the gospel, just as the early believers did. This requires courage in the face of opposition and a willingness to be countercultural. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gave the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This command remains the mission of the church today.

Proclaiming the gospel with boldness also means speaking the truth about sin, judgment, and the need for repentance. While it may be tempting to soften the message to avoid offending others, Christians must remain faithful to the full counsel of God’s Word. In Acts 20:27, Paul declared, “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” Today’s believers must likewise proclaim the gospel in its entirety, trusting that the Holy Spirit will work through the truth to bring people to repentance and faith in Christ.

How Can Christians Guard Against Falsehoods and Corruptions?

One of the challenges faced by the first-century church was the presence of false teachers who sought to lead believers astray. John warned against these individuals in 2 John 1:7: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” Likewise, Paul warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:29-30: “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.”

False teachers continue to pose a threat to the church today, often promoting teachings that distort the gospel or compromise biblical truth. To guard against these falsehoods, Christians must be well-grounded in Scripture and have a clear understanding of the essential doctrines of the faith. In Ephesians 4:14, Paul exhorts believers to “no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Instead, Christians must be discerning and hold fast to the truth of God’s Word.

Why Is Perseverance in the Truth So Important?

Walking in the truth is not a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the faith. In Matthew 24:13, Jesus said, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Likewise, Hebrews 10:36 reminds believers, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”

Perseverance is necessary because the Christian life is marked by spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Christians are called to stand firm in the truth, putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17) and resisting the attacks of the enemy.

By continuing to walk in the truth, believers demonstrate their love for God and their commitment to His Word. In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Walking in the truth is evidence of a genuine relationship with Christ and a desire to honor Him in every area of life.

Conclusion: Walking in the Truth Requires Faithfulness to God’s Word

The call to keep walking in the truth, as expressed in 3 John 4, remains as relevant today as it was in the first century. True Christianity is characterized by a commitment to Scripture, faithfulness to the teachings of Christ, a devotion to fellowship and unity, boldness in proclaiming the gospel, and perseverance in the faith. By following the example of the early Christians and holding fast to the truth of God’s Word, believers today can live lives that bring glory to God and reflect the light of Christ to a world in desperate need of the gospel.

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