New Testament · General Epistle · Book 64 of 66
Book of 3 John
A personal letter about hospitality and humility: support those who serve the truth, and imitate what is good.
1 Chapter
15 verses (NIV)
Author
“The elder” (traditionally John)
Written
c. A.D. 85 – 95
Written To
Gaius
Overview
Book of 3 John Summary
Third John is the most personal of the three letters of John, and it is the only one addressed to a named individual. The elder writes to Gaius, a faithful believer whom he loves in the truth, to praise him for his support of traveling Christian workers and to warn him about a church leader who is causing trouble.
After a greeting and a prayer for Gaius’s health, the elder says that he was overjoyed to hear that Gaius continues to walk in the truth. He commends Gaius for showing hospitality to the brothers and sisters, even strangers, who were going out for the sake of the Name and receiving nothing from outsiders. Believers ought to support such people, so that they may be fellow workers for the truth (vv. 5–8).
The elder then names Diotrephes, who loves to be first, rejects the elder’s authority, spreads malicious talk, refuses to welcome the traveling workers, and puts out of the church those who do (vv. 9–10). He urges Gaius to imitate what is good and commends Demetrius, who has a good reputation with everyone (vv. 11–12). The letter closes with the hope of a visit and greetings from friends.
About the Name
Title
The traditional Greek title is Ioannou G, “Of John, third.” It is the third of the letters that bear John’s name and one of the General Epistles, although it is written to an individual, Gaius, rather than to a wide audience.
Gaius was a common name in the Roman world, and several men by this name appear in the New Testament (Acts 19:29; 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14). There is no way to be sure that this Gaius is the same as any of them.
Who Wrote It
Author Details
The writer calls himself “the elder” (v. 1), as in 2 John, and the two short letters are so alike in language and form that they are generally thought to be written by the same person. Church tradition identifies him with John the apostle, who also wrote 1 John and the Gospel of John.
When It Was Written
Date of Writing
Third John is usually dated to about A.D. 85–95, around the same time as 1 John and 2 John, and is thought to have been written from Ephesus. The letter does not name the place of writing.
It shows the early church’s practice of supporting traveling missionaries through the hospitality of local believers. In 2 John, hospitality is withheld from false teachers, and here it is urged for faithful workers.
Study Guide
3 John Outline
15 verses in four parts (NIV numbering). Tap any section to expand it, and tap a verse reference to read it at BibleGateway.
Part I
Greeting and Prayer
vv. 1–4 · Walking in the truth
Part II
Gaius Commended for His Hospitality
vv. 5–8 · Fellow workers for the truth
Part III
Diotrephes and Demetrius
vv. 9–12 · A bad example and a good one
Part IV
Closing
vv. 13–15 · Peace and greetings
Continue Your Study
Verse references link to the NIV at BibleGateway.