3 John

Chapter 1

Greeting to Gaius

1 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

4 I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.

Fellow Workers for the Truth

5 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

6 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,

7 because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.

10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.

11 Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.

12 Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

Last Greetings

13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

14 but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.

Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

3 John Overview

The Book of 3 John is a brief letter found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is written by the Apostle John and is addressed to a man named Gaius. This personal letter serves as a commendation and encouragement to Gaius, while also addressing a situation involving a man named Diotrephes.

The letter begins with John expressing his deep affection for Gaius, commending him for his faithfulness and hospitality towards fellow believers. John praises Gaius for his support of traveling missionaries, who were engaged in spreading the Gospel. He acknowledges Gaius' commitment to the truth and his loving actions within the Christian community.

However, John proceeds to address the issue of Diotrephes, a prominent figure in the local church who has displayed a domineering and uncooperative attitude. John criticizes Diotrephes for his love of power and his refusal to accept John's authority as an apostle. He warns Gaius and others about Diotrephes' negative influence and encourages them not to imitate his behaviour.

John also mentions a man named Demetrius, who is likely another traveling missionary. He speaks highly of Demetrius, affirming his character and faithfulness. John encourages Gaius to support and welcome Demetrius when he arrives, just as he has done with other fellow believers.

In the concluding part of the letter, John expresses his desire to visit the church personally and discuss matters face-to-face. He sends greetings from others in the church and ends with a farewell message.

The Book of 3 John offers valuable insights into the importance of hospitality, faithfulness, and loving support within the Christian community. It highlights the contrast between the positive example of Gaius, who demonstrates genuine Christian love, and the negative example of Diotrephes, who seeks power and control. The letter also emphasizes the significance of recognizing and supporting those who are faithfully serving the Lord, such as the traveling missionaries mentioned. Overall, 3 John serves as a personal message of encouragement and instruction for individual believers and local Christian communities.