3 John

Third John praises Gaius for his hospitality to missionaries and criticizes Diotrephes, a leader who sought first place and rejected the envoys.

Author"The Elder", traditionally Saint John

DateAround AD 90-100

AudienceGaius, a beloved Christian

🎯 Learning objective

Understand the message of 3 John, its historical setting and its place in the history of salvation.

🏛️ Historical context

Itinerant missionaries depended on the communities' hospitality. Welcoming them meant working together for the truth.

🔙 Background

It shows real tensions over authority in the first communities.

🧭 Structure of the book

A single chapter: praise of Gaius, criticism of Diotrephes and recommendation of Demetrius

⭐ Key events and teachings

1"No greater joy can I have than to hear that my children follow the truth" (v. 4)
2Praise of hospitality to the brothers (v. 5-8)
3Diotrephes "likes to put himself first" (v. 9)
4"Do not imitate evil but imitate good" (v. 11)

🏷️ Main themes

HospitalityMissionHumility in service

📖 Verses to memorize

3 John 1:2Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that thou mayest proceed prosperously and fare well, as thy soul doth prosperously.
3 John 1:4I have no greater grace than this, to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:5Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren: and that for strangers,
3 John 1:8We therefore ought to receive such: that we may be fellow helpers of the truth.
3 John 1:11Dearly beloved, follow not that which is evil: but that which is good. He that doth good is of God: he that doth evil hath not seen God.

💭 For reflection

How do I support those who evangelize?
Do I seek first place in my community, or to serve?

A personal letter to Gaius, praised for his hospitality toward missionaries. It warns against the attitude of Diotrephes and encourages imitating what is good.

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