3 John

Part One: Introduction to 3 John

The Book

3 John is the shortest book in the Bible by word count in the original Greek. Like 2 John, it is a personal letter from "the elder," the aged apostle John, probably written from Ephesus around AD 85-95. But where 2 John warned against welcoming false teachers, 3 John commends a believer for welcoming true ones, and rebukes a church leader who refused them.

The Recipient

"The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth" (v1). Gaius was a common name in the Roman world, and several men called Gaius appear in the New Testament (Acts 19:29; 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14). This Gaius was probably a different man, a respected member of a church in Asia Minor, perhaps converted through John, who calls him one of "my children" (v4). He was known for his faithfulness to the truth and his generous hospitality.

The Situation

Travelling preachers and missionaries were going from church to church, some sent out by John himself, depending on believers for food and lodging. Gaius had welcomed them warmly. But Diotrephes, a leader in the church, refused to receive them, rejected John's authority, slandered him, and even expelled those who wanted to help the missionaries. John wrote to commend Gaius, to warn about Diotrephes, and to recommend Demetrius, probably the bearer of the letter.

Three Men

The letter centres on three men:

Purpose and Theme

John wrote to encourage Gaius to keep supporting faithful Christian workers, so that believers become "fellowhelpers to the truth" (v8). The word "truth" appears six times. The theme is walking in the truth and supporting the truth, in contrast with the self-seeking pride that hinders it.

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

3 John 4

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

3 John 8

2 John and 3 John

Outline of 3 John

Part Two: Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Section I: Gaius Commended (Verses 1-8)

Verses 1-2 — Prosperity of Soul

The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 1-2

John's love for Gaius, as for the elect lady, was "in the truth." His prayer, a common form of greeting in ancient letters, wished Gaius physical health and general well-being equal to his spiritual health. Gaius' soul was flourishing; John prayed that his body and circumstances would do as well. This verse is a loving prayer for a friend, not a promise that every believer will enjoy wealth and health. Its striking point is that Gaius' spiritual condition was the standard: how many could be wished to prosper physically as much as they prosper spiritually?

Verses 3-4 — Walking in Truth

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

3 John 3-4

Travelling brethren had reported that Gaius held the truth and lived it. For a spiritual father, there is no greater joy than knowing that his spiritual children walk in the truth, not merely knowing it, but living it day by day.

Verses 5-8 — Faithful Hospitality

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well

3 John 5-6

Gaius showed hospitality to fellow believers, even those he had never met before ("strangers"). The travellers testified publicly to his love. John urged him to continue to "bring forward on their journey" these workers, sending them on their way supplied with what they needed, "after a godly sort," in a manner worthy of God (Titus 3:13; Acts 15:3; Romans 15:24).

Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

3 John 7-8

These missionaries went out "for his name's sake," for the honour of Christ's name (Acts 5:41; Romans 1:5). They accepted no support from "the Gentiles" (pagans and unbelievers), so that no one could accuse them of preaching for profit, unlike the travelling religious teachers of the day. Therefore believers have a duty to support them. By doing so, those who stay at home become "fellowhelpers," co-workers in the spread of the truth. Every believer can share in missionary work through prayer, hospitality and giving (Philippians 4:15-18; 1 Corinthians 9:14).

Section II: Diotrephes Condemned (Verses 9-11)

Verses 9-10 — The Sins of Diotrephes

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

3 John 9

John had written a letter to the church (now lost, or perhaps 2 John), but Diotrephes would not accept it or John's authority. His root sin was pride: he "loveth to have the preeminence," to be first, in control. In Scripture, preeminence belongs to Christ alone: "that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18). Diotrephes wanted the place that belongs to Christ.

Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

3 John 10

Pride produced a list of sins:

John does not accuse Diotrephes of false doctrine, but of a proud, controlling character. A church can be orthodox in belief and still be damaged by a leader who wants to dominate. John promised to deal with him personally when he came. Biblical leaders are not to be "lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3); the greatest is to be the servant of all (Matthew 20:25-28).

Verse 11 — Follow the Good

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

3 John 11

Gaius must not imitate Diotrephes' bad example, but good examples like Demetrius. Conduct reveals relationship: those who practise good show they belong to God; those who practise evil show they have never truly known Him (1 John 3:6-10).

Section III: Demetrius Recommended (Verse 12)

Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

3 John 12

Demetrius, probably the carrier of the letter and perhaps one of the travelling preachers, came with a threefold testimony: from everyone who knew him, from "the truth itself" (his life matched the truth), and from John personally. This triple witness (Deuteronomy 19:15) assured Gaius he could safely receive him. He stands in contrast with Diotrephes: a man whose character commends him.

Section IV: Closing (Verses 13-14)

I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

3 John 13-14

As in 2 John, John preferred a personal visit. He used the warm word "friends," recalling Jesus' words, "I have called you friends" (John 15:14-15). "Greet the friends by name": Christian fellowship is personal; each believer is known and valued individually.

Part Three: Christ in 3 John

Although Christ's name does not appear in the King James text of 3 John, He is present throughout:

Diotrephes and Christ's Pattern of Leadership

Part Four: Promises and Expectations

Part Five: Key Passages in Depth

3 John 2-4 — A Prospering Soul

Gaius' spiritual health was so strong it could be the standard for his physical health. The greatest joy for those who lead others to Christ is to see them walk in truth.

3 John 5-8 — Fellowhelpers to the Truth

Believers who support faithful Christian workers, sending them on their way in a manner worthy of God, become partners in the spread of the truth.

3 John 9-10 — The Danger of Pride in Leadership

Love of preeminence leads to rejecting authority, slander, inhospitality and abuse of power. Preeminence belongs to Christ alone.

3 John 11-12 — Following Good Examples

Believers should imitate what is good, not what is evil, and recognise trustworthy servants by their testimony.

Part Six: The Major Teachings of 3 John

1. Walking in Truth

Truth must be lived, not just believed (3-4).

2. Spiritual Prosperity

The health of the soul matters most (2).

3. Christian Hospitality

Believers should welcome and support faithful Christian workers (5-8).

4. Missionary Support

Those who go out for Christ's name should be supported by believers, not by unbelievers (7-8).

5. Partnership in the Gospel

Supporters become fellowhelpers to the truth (8).

6. The Danger of Pride

Loving preeminence destroys fellowship and leadership (9-10).

7. Conduct Reveals Relationship

Doing good shows we are of God (11).

8. Good Reputation

A good testimony from all, from the truth, and from leaders commends a servant of God (12).

9. Personal Fellowship

Believers are friends, known by name (14).

Part Seven: Connections — How 3 John Links to the Rest of the Bible

Part Eight: Practical Lessons

• Let your soul prosper above all (2).
• Pray for the physical and spiritual well-being of fellow believers (2).
• Walk in the truth, not only believe it (3).
• Find your greatest joy in seeing others walk in truth (4).
• Be faithful in hospitality, even to strangers (5).
• Send Christian workers on their way in a manner worthy of God (6).
• Support missionaries who go out for Christ's name (7).
• Become a fellowhelper to the truth (8).
• Beware of loving preeminence (9).
• Don't slander God's servants (10).
• Never use church authority to control or exclude the faithful (10).
• Imitate what is good, not what is evil (11).
• Let your life earn a good report (12).
• Value personal fellowship; know believers by name (13-14).

Part Nine: Key Verses to Memorize

Conclusion

3 John is a brief but searching letter about three men. Gaius, beloved by John, prospered in his soul, walked in the truth, and faithfully welcomed travelling Christian workers, even strangers, sending them on their way in a manner worthy of God. Because those workers went out for Christ's name and took nothing from unbelievers, believers ought to support them and so become fellowhelpers to the truth. Diotrephes, by contrast, loved to have the preeminence that belongs to Christ alone; his pride led him to reject John's authority, slander him, refuse the brethren, and cast out those who welcomed them. Demetrius, commended by all, by the truth itself and by John, showed what a trustworthy servant looks like. Together with 2 John, this letter teaches that Christian hospitality must be guided by truth: closed to those who deny Christ, open to those who serve Him. And it calls every believer to follow the good, to walk in the truth, and to give the preeminence to Christ.

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

3 John 4