3 John 1

Chapter Overview

What happens in 3 John 1

John writes to commend Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality toward traveling believers, rebukes the authoritarian behavior of Diotrephes, commends the good testimony of Demetrius, and expresses hope for a personal visit.

Scripture

Greeting and Joy Over Gaius

Study note

John addresses Gaius as a dear friend whom he loves in the truth. He prays for Gaius to prosper and be in good health, even as his soul prospers. John's greatest joy comes from hearing that his spiritual children are walking in the truth, a report confirmed by visiting brothers who testified to the truth living in Gaius.

1 From the elder. To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love because of the truth. The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2 Dear friend, I pray that everything is going well with you and that your body is as healthy as your soul. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 I was so happy when some believers came and told me that you are staying true to the truth. They said you are faithfully walking in it. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

4 Nothing makes me happier than hearing that my children are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Hospitality Toward Gospel Workers

Study note

John commends Gaius for his faithful service in welcoming traveling believers, even strangers. These workers have testified before the church about Gaius's love. They went out for the sake of Christ's name, accepting no support from unbelievers, so the church ought to support such people and become fellow workers for the truth.

5 Dear friend, you show such faithfulness when you help other believers, even ones you have never met. Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

6 They told the church about your love. Please keep helping them on their way in a manner that honors God. 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:

7 These people went out to serve the name of Jesus. They did not take any help from those who do not believe. Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

8 So we should support people like them. That way we become their partners in spreading the truth. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

The Problem of Diotrephes

Study note

John reports that Diotrephes, who loves to have first place in the church, does not acknowledge the apostle's authority. When John visits, he will confront Diotrephes for spreading malicious gossip against the apostles, refusing to welcome the traveling brothers, and even expelling from the church those who want to show hospitality. This is a sobering example of how selfish ambition can corrupt church leadership.

9 I wrote a letter to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves being the center of attention, refuses to listen to us. I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

10 So when I get there, I will bring up everything he is doing. He is spreading lies about us with hateful words. And not only that, but he refuses to welcome traveling believers himself and tries to stop other people from welcoming them. He even kicks people out of the church for helping them! 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.

Follow Good, Not Evil

Study note

John urges Gaius not to imitate what is evil but what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. In contrast to Diotrephes, Demetrius is commended by everyone, by the truth itself, and by the apostles' personal testimony. He serves as a positive model of Christian character.

11 Dear friend, do not copy what is bad. Copy what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God. Whoever does evil has never truly seen God. 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.

12 Everyone has good things to say about Demetrius, and the truth itself backs him up. We speak well of him too, and you know we are telling the truth. 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.

Closing and Peace

Study note

John has much more to write but prefers not to use ink and pen. He hopes to see Gaius soon for a face-to-face conversation. He closes with a blessing of peace and sends personal greetings from friends, asking Gaius to greet each friend by name, reflecting the deeply relational nature of early Christian community.

13 I have plenty more to tell you, but I do not want to put it all down with pen and ink. I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

14 I am hoping to see you very soon so we can talk face to face. Peace to you. Our friends here say hello. Please give our greetings to each of our friends there by name. 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.

Key Themes

Themes in 3 John 1

Walking in the truthChristian hospitalitySupporting gospel workersThe danger of self-promoting leadershipImitating good rather than evilThe value of personal relationships in faith

Prophetic Connections

How this chapter points to Christ

3 John 1:11 Psalm 37:27

John's exhortation to turn from evil and do good echoes the psalmist's counsel to depart from evil and do good, for the Lord loves justice and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Apply This Today

Living 3 John 1

Make hospitality a hallmark of your faith, recognizing that welcoming and supporting those who serve Christ is a direct partnership in the work of the gospel. Be alert to the destructive pattern of Diotrephes, where a leader's desire for personal prominence overrides love for the community, and refuse to imitate such behavior in your own life. Instead, follow the example of Gaius and Demetrius, whose faithfulness and good character were confirmed by the testimony of others and by the truth itself.

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