3 John 1
The book of 3 John is a personal letter written by “the Elder,” traditionally understood as the Apostle John, to Gaius, a beloved believer in the church. This letter focuses on truth, hospitality, support for gospel workers, and proper Christian leadership. John praises Gaius because he walks in the truth and shows love by helping travelling Christian teachers and missionaries. He contrasts Gaius with Diotrephes, who is proud, controlling, and refuses to receive John and the brethren. The letter also presents Demetrius as a good example of someone who has a faithful testimony. Overall, 3 John teaches that believers should support those who work for the truth, live faithfully, show hospitality, and avoid prideful or divisive behaviour in the church.
3 John 1:1-4 (NKJV)
1 The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of your truth, as you walk in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
John begins by warmly greeting Gaius, whom he loves in the truth. He prays that Gaius may prosper in all things and be in good health, just as his soul is prospering spiritually. This shows John’s care for both Gaius’s physical well-being and spiritual life. John rejoices because other believers have testified that Gaius is walking in the truth, meaning he is not only believing the gospel but living according to it. John says he has no greater joy than to hear that his spiritual children are walking in truth. This shows the heart of a true spiritual leader: his greatest joy is not outward success, but seeing believers remain faithful to God.
3 John 1:5-8 (NKJV)
5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,
6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might become fellow workers for the truth.
John praises Gaius for faithfully helping both the brethren and strangers, likely referring to travelling Christian teachers or missionaries. Even though some of these workers may not have been personally known to Gaius, he still showed them love and hospitality because they were serving Christ. His love became known before the church, showing that his faith was expressed through action. John encourages him to continue sending them forward in a manner worthy of God, meaning to support them with care, honour, and practical help. These workers went out for Christ’s name and did not depend on unbelievers for support. By helping them, Gaius became a fellow worker for the truth. This teaches that even if we are not the ones travelling or preaching, we share in the gospel work when we support faithful workers.
3 John 1:9-10 (NKJV)
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.
10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
John then speaks about Diotrephes, who is the opposite of Gaius. Diotrephes loves to have the highest place and wants control in the church. Because of pride and self-importance, he rejects John’s authority and refuses to receive John and his fellow workers. He also speaks against them with malicious words, showing a spirit of accusation and division. Worse than that, he refuses to welcome the brethren himself and stops others from receiving them. He even puts out of the church those who want to show hospitality. John says that if he comes, he will deal with this openly. This passage shows the danger of proud and controlling leadership in the church, and it reminds believers that leaders must be humble, truthful, and willing to support the work of God.
3 John 1:11-12 (NKJV)
11 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.
12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
John tells Gaius not to imitate what is evil, but what is good. After describing the bad example of Diotrephes, John now points to the kind of life believers should follow. A person who does good shows that he belongs to God, while a person who continues in evil shows that he has not truly known God. John then mentions Demetrius as a good example. Demetrius has a good testimony from everyone, from the truth itself, and from John and his companions. This means his life, character, and conduct agree with the truth of the gospel. He is a contrast to Diotrephes and an example worth following. This passage teaches that believers should not be influenced by proud or evil behaviour, but should follow those whose lives reflect truth, goodness, and God’s character.
3 John 1:13-14 (NKJV)
13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
John ends the letter by saying that he still has many things to write, but he does not want to say everything by pen and ink. Instead, he hopes to visit Gaius soon and speak with him face to face. This shows that some matters are better discussed personally, especially when they involve church relationships, encouragement, and correction. John then gives a blessing of peace and sends greetings from the friends with him. He also asks Gaius to greet the friends by name, showing the personal love and close fellowship among early Christians. This closing reminds us that Christian life is not only about doctrine and service, but also about real relationships, personal care, and peace among believers.