2 John and 3 John

The short epistles by the Apostle John provide some insight into him as a person.  Mainly, he does not like writing when talking face to face could work.  In both 2 John 12 and 3 John 13-14, John states that would rather explain everything else in person, rather than write.

Why?  Perhaps because he can.  

By contrast, the Book of Revelations is long and John does not state that he would rather say more in person.  That said, we know in Revelations that he was isolated on the island of Patmos.  Here in 2 John and 3 John, John seems to have ability of travel to go to churches that he is writing to.

So, why do we even have these letters at all when John would rather just discuss things in person?  Perhaps because both deal with quick emergencies about problematic people. 

2 John seems focused on false teachers.  The specified people are those that do not believe that Jesus has come in the flesh.  These are labeled "antichrist" people.  This might give us some indication as to the identity of the "Antichrist" as outlined in John's more famous book - Revelations.

3 John focuses on a person named Diotrophes.  We do not know much about him from this book other than he is causing problems at the church run by Gaius.  Diotrophes seems to be usurping control, gossiping, and excluding people out of the church.  John does not like this and if he comes, he will call Diotrophes out.

Interesting, John does not tell Gaius to kick out Diotrophes.  Paul would probably have done, but John seems to let Gaius make the decision.  However, the implication is clear for Gaius - deal with Diotrophes before John arrives.