“The elder” (1:1), the apostle John according to tradition. Written: Around AD 85–95

General letters · New Testament · 1 chapter

The book of 3 John

Opening your home to the workers of the truth

Author: “The elder” (1:1), the apostle John according to tradition
Written: Around AD 85–95
Time covered: The end of the 1st century, in the days of itinerant missionaries who depended on the churches’ hospitality
Key word: Hospitality

Three men, three portraits. First Gaius: the elder loves him, wishes that all may go well with him as it does with his soul, and rejoices to hear that he walks in the truth; he has no greater joy (1:1-4). Gaius has faithfully received brothers, even strangers; he must keep providing for their journey “in a manner worthy of God,” for by welcoming them we become fellow workers for the truth (1:5-8). Then Diotrephes: eager for first place, he slanders the elder, refuses the brothers, and drives out of the church those who receive them (1:9-10). “Follow not that which is evil, but that which is good” (1:11). Finally Demetrius, to whom everyone bears good witness (1:12). The elder hopes to come soon (1:13-15).

Main theme

Welcoming and supporting those who travel for the gospel is to become “fellow workers for the truth”; the pride that shuts the door, like that of Diotrephes, contradicts the love of God.

Outline

3 John 1-4 — Gaius, who walks in the truth
Greeting, good wishes, and the elder’s joy at Gaius’s faithfulness.
3 John 5-8 — Hospitality toward the missionaries
Gaius is praised for welcoming the brothers who went out for the sake of the Name.
3 John 9-11 — Diotrephes, who wants to be first
A proud leader who rejects the elder and drives out the brothers.
3 John 12-15 — Demetrius and the greetings
Good witness borne to Demetrius, hope of a visit, and greetings from friends.

Key points

Gaius is called “beloved” four times: the letter breathes pastoral affection (1:1, 2, 5, 11).
The elder wishes that all may go well with Gaius, “even as thy soul prospereth” (1:2).
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (1:4).
The missionaries went out “for the sake of the Name,” taking nothing of the Gentiles (1:7).
To welcome the gospel’s envoys is to become “fellow workers for the truth” (1:8).
Diotrephes, who loves to be first, rejects the elder and drives out of the church those who receive the brothers (1:9-10).
“He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (1:11).
Demetrius has a good report from everyone, and from the truth itself (1:12).

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 2 — A friend’s wish that makes the health of the soul the measure of all prosperity.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

3 John 4 — The greatest joy of a spiritual father: children who walk in the truth.

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

3 John 8 — Supporting the mission is sharing in it: being a fellow worker with those who go out.

Jesus in 3 John

The name of Jesus Christ appears only once, as “the Name,” yet it drives the whole letter: it is “for the sake of the Name” that the missionaries went out (1:7). To welcome his envoys is to welcome him (Matt 10:40). And the attitude of Diotrephes, who wants to be first, is the exact opposite of Christ, who came “not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Mark 10:45).

Did you know?

In number of Greek words, 3 John is the shortest book of the Bible, even briefer than 2 John.
The New Testament mentions several men named Gaius (Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom 16:23; 1 Cor 1:14): nothing allows us to say whether one of them is the recipient of 3 John.
2 John and 3 John answer each other: the first forbids welcoming false teachers (2 John 10), the second asks us to welcome true missionaries (1:8).

Quiz on 3 John

To whom is the third letter of John addressed?

What is the elder’s greatest joy?

Which man does the elder criticize because he “loveth to be first”?

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.