General Epistles · New Testament
The Book of 3 John
Third John commends Gaius for his hospitality to traveling ministers, warns against the controlling behavior of Diotrephes, and encourages believers to imitate what is good.
- Chapters
- 1
- Testament
- New
- Category
- General Epistles
- Traditional Author
- Traditionally attributed to the apostle John
Overview
John writes a personal letter to Gaius, a beloved member of the church, commending him for walking in the truth and for his faithful hospitality to traveling preachers. John contrasts Gaius with Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence, refuses to receive the brethren, and puts out of the church those who do. John also commends Demetrius, who has a good testimony from all. The letter encourages the imitation of good rather than evil.
Key Themes
- Walking in truth
- Hospitality toward fellow believers and ministers
- The danger of self-seeking leadership
- Imitating good rather than evil
Key Verses
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."
3 John 1:4 (NKJV)
"Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God."
3 John 1:11 (NKJV)
How It Applies Today
Third John teaches that hospitality and generosity toward those who serve the Lord is a practical expression of walking in truth. The contrast between Gaius and Diotrephes warns against self-seeking leadership that puts personal authority above the welfare of the church. John's encouragement to imitate what is good is a simple and powerful standard for daily conduct.