The Book of 3 John is the shortest book in the New Testament, written by the Apostle John, likely between AD 85-95. This personal letter is addressed to Gaius, a faithful believer and leader in the church. John writes to commend Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling Christian missionaries, while also addressing the negative influence of Diotrephes, a church leader who is rejecting John’s authority and refusing to welcome the missionaries.
3 John is a letter about truth, hospitality, and the importance of supporting those who spread the Gospel. John encourages Gaius to continue doing good by helping fellow believers, contrasts the selfless service of Gaius with the selfish behavior of Diotrephes, and mentions Demetrius as an example of someone with a good reputation.
Breakdown of the Book of 3 John
- Verses 1-4: John’s Greeting and Praise for Gaius
John opens the letter by expressing his love for Gaius and commending him for walking in the truth. He expresses great joy upon hearing from other believers that Gaius is living faithfully in accordance with the truth. John’s emphasis on truth highlights the importance of a life lived in accordance with God’s Word. - Verses 5-8: Commendation for Gaius’ Hospitality
John praises Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries, describing Gaius’ actions as a faithful and loving service to the church. John encourages him to continue this good work, noting that supporting such workers makes Gaius a fellow worker for the truth. The letter emphasizes the importance of showing hospitality to those who are spreading the Gospel. - Verses 9-10: Rebuke of Diotrephes
John warns Gaius about Diotrephes, a leader in the church who is acting arrogantly and refusing to acknowledge John’s authority. Diotrephes is rejecting the traveling missionaries and even excommunicating those who support them. John promises to deal with Diotrephes when he visits, calling attention to his divisive and selfish behavior. - Verses 11-12: Encouragement to Do Good and Example of Demetrius
John exhorts Gaius to imitate what is good, rather than what is evil, and reminds him that those who do good are from God. He contrasts Diotrephes’ behavior with that of Demetrius, a believer who has a good reputation and is commended by everyone, including the truth itself. Demetrius serves as an example of someone living in a way that reflects Christ. - Verses 13-14: Final Greetings
John concludes the letter by expressing his desire to visit Gaius in person soon. He sends final greetings to Gaius and the members of the church, reinforcing the personal and affectionate nature of the letter.
Key Topics in the Book of 3 John
- Walking in Truth: John expresses his joy at hearing that Gaius is walking in the truth. A central theme of the letter is the importance of living in accordance with the teachings of Christ, which brings great joy to those in the Christian community.
- Hospitality and Support for Missionaries: John commends Gaius for showing hospitality to traveling Christian workers. The letter emphasizes the responsibility of believers to support those who are spreading the Gospel, seeing this as a partnership in the truth.
- Warning Against Pride and Division: John rebukes Diotrephes, who is causing division in the church by rejecting John’s authority and refusing to welcome missionaries. The letter highlights the danger of prideful leadership and warns against selfishness in the church.
- Doing Good: John encourages Gaius to continue doing good and not to be influenced by evil. He presents Demetrius as an example of someone who is known for his good character, contrasting him with the negative behavior of Diotrephes.
Related Scholarly Commentary
- I. Howard Marshall, in The Epistles of John (New International Commentary on the New Testament), explores the themes of hospitality, church leadership, and walking in truth in 3 John, providing insights into the early Christian church’s dynamics.
- Robert W. Yarbrough, in 1-3 John (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), offers a detailed examination of 3 John, focusing on the relationships between believers, the role of hospitality, and the importance of living out the truth.
- Colin G. Kruse, in The Letters of John (The Pillar New Testament Commentary), provides a comprehensive look at the practical lessons of 3 John, particularly how church members should relate to one another and support Christian ministry.
Conclusion
The Book of 3 John is a personal letter that highlights the importance of walking in truth, showing hospitality to those who spread the Gospel, and avoiding prideful behavior that causes division in the church. John’s praise for Gaius’ faithful service and his rebuke of Diotrephes offer timeless lessons for how Christians should support one another and work together for the sake of the Gospel. The letter encourages believers to imitate what is good, live in accordance with the truth, and continue supporting the mission of spreading the message of Christ.