“Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.”
John now turns to the last of the three personalities he deals with in Third John – Demetrius. John says, in effect: “Extend hospitality to Demetrius as a member of my team because he is a man of integrity.”
John gives a threefold tribute to Demetrius:
A good testimony among all
Truth spoke on his behalf
The elder John speaks well of him
Demetrius has a good testimony from all,
John now commends Demetrius. Demetrius, a common name in the first century, means belonging to Demeter (the goddess of agriculture). Demetrius probably had a pagan background. He is not the Demetrius of Acts 19:24. He may have led the itinerant evangelists sent from John.
In any case, Demetrius held a good testimony to “all.” His testimony was so extensive that everyone who knew him reported it. His integrity made his reputation. His character stood the test of many people.
PRINCIPLE:
Our character is our commendation.
APPLICATION:
There is danger in having all men speak well of us, because that may indicate we lack conviction. Yet, it is another thing if people speak well of our integrity and disagree with our viewpoints. Our stand on integrity makes a good testimony. “His viewpoint is wrong, but he is a good man.”
When our conduct aligns with our profession, we are seen as people of integrity. We are more than our reputation. Our reputation is what others deem us to be. Our character is what we are. Our character commends us to others.
