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About this book: 3 John

Third John is the shortest book in the New Testament by word count, and the only one written mainly about a church conflict between named individuals. The elder writes to Gaius, a beloved friend, praising him for walking in the truth and for welcoming traveling Christian workers who depended on hospitality. He reminds Gaius that supporting such people makes him a partner in their work. He then names two men. Diotrephes, who loves to be first, refuses to receive the elder's messengers and even pushes out those who would welcome them. Demetrius, by contrast, has a good reputation with everyone. The letter is a small window into an early church network where authority, generosity and pride were already tested. It also stands beside 2 John, which urges caution toward false teachers, by showing the other side: warm welcome for faithful ones. Like the neighboring letter, it ends with a hope to visit in person and with greetings between friends.

Author
The elder, traditionally identified with John the apostle; some scholars suggest another leader in the same circle.
Date
Usually placed late in the first century, c. AD 85–95, close to 2 John.
Audience
Gaius, a faithful Christian friend of the elder, probably in Asia Minor.

Themes

Walking in the truthHospitality for God's workersPride versus humilityImitating what is good

Outline

  1. 1:1–1:4Greeting and joy in Gaius's faithfulness
  2. 1:5–1:8Support for traveling workers
  3. 1:9–1:12Diotrephes and Demetrius
  4. 1:13–1:14Closing and greetings

Key verses

3 John 1:4 →3 John 1:11 →
About this chapterThe elder writes to his dear friend Gaius, whom he loves in the truth, praying for his health and rejoicing that he walks faithfully in the truth. Gaius is praised for showing hospitality to traveling believers who went out for the sake of the Name, and John says such people should be supported so that they become fellow workers for the truth. He then criticizes Diotrephes, who loves to be first, rejects John's authority, spreads malicious talk and even expels people who welcome visitors. Believers are told to imitate what is good, not what is evil. Demetrius is commended by everyone. John hopes to visit soon and closes with a blessing of peace and greetings from friends.

The elder writes to his dear friend Gaius, whom he loves in the truth, praying for his health and rejoicing that he walks faithfully in the truth. Gaius is praised for showing hospitality to traveling believers who went out for the sake of the Name, and John says such people should be supported so that they become fellow workers for the truth. He then criticizes Diotrephes, who loves to be first, rejects John's authority, spreads malicious talk and even expels people who welcome visitors. Believers are told to imitate what is good, not what is evil. Demetrius is commended by everyone. John hopes to visit soon and closes with a blessing of peace and greetings from friends.

Themes

  • Hospitality
  • Truth and love
  • Imitating good

Key verses

Audio Bible · 3 John 1

Listen while you go about your day.

3 John 1

Berean Standard Bible14 verses · 2 min read

1The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth: 2Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers. 3For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. 6They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 9I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. 10So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church. 11Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. 12Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true. 13I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink. 14Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.
Verses in 3 John 1
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Chapters of 3 John

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