3 John 1
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1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. 2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth. 5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, 7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 9I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. 10Therefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly. 11Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God. 12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true. 13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; 14but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”
3 John 1:11
Summary
The Book of 3 John is a personal letter from the Apostle John to a man named Gaius. In this chapter, John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality towards fellow believers, especially those who travel to spread the gospel. John praises Gaius for walking in truth and encourages him to continue supporting those who are carrying out God's work. This book emphasizes the importance of living out the truth and showing love through generous hospitality. John warns about Diotrephes, a leader in the church who loves to put himself first and does not acknowledge the authority of John and his companions. Diotrephes is accused of refusing to welcome believers and even putting others out of the church if they do so. This serves as a caution against leaders who pursue self-interest over the teachings of Christ. John concludes by recommending Demetrius as a good example, encouraging Gaius and the readers to imitate what is good. This highlights the need to discern and emulate behavior that reflects Christ's teachings. John's closing words express his desire to visit Gaius and speak face to face, reflecting the importance of personal fellowship among believers.
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Chapter outline
How 3 John 1 unfolds
3 John 1:1–2 Greeting and Prayer for Gaius
John greets Gaius with affection and prays for his well-being, emphasizing the connection between spiritual and physical health.
3 John 1:3–4 Joy in Gaius's Truth
John expresses joy over reports of Gaius walking in truth, highlighting the importance of living according to the teachings of Christ.
3 John 1:5–8 Commendation of Hospitality
John commends Gaius for his faithful work, encouraging him to support traveling believers as they carry out God’s mission.
3 John 1:9–10 Warning Against Diotrephes
John warns about Diotrephes, a church leader who rejects John’s authority and mistreats those who support itinerant teachers.
3 John 1:11–12 Encouragement to Imitate Good
John urges Gaius to avoid evil behavior, presenting Demetrius as a model of good, reinforcing the theme of truth in action.
3 John 1:13–14 Conclusion and Personal Note
John concludes with a personal touch, expressing his wish to visit Gaius and the importance of fellowship among believers.
Key verses
3 John 1:11This verse encapsulates the chapter's focus on the importance of discerning good from evil in Christian conduct.
Main themes in 3 John 1
Hospitality
Hospitality surfaces prominently in verses 5-8, where John commends Gaius for his generous support of traveling believers. Through this commendation, the chapter develops a contrast between Gaius's kindness and Diotrephes's selfishness, highlighting different responses to the needs of others. The emphasis on hospitality underscores the necessity of supporting those who spread the gospel, reflecting a communal responsibility that is essential for the health and growth of the church.
Truth
Truth is a central theme in verses 3-4, where John expresses joy over Gaius walking in truth. The chapter further develops this theme by illustrating the tension between truth and falsehood, particularly through the contrasting behaviors of Gaius and Diotrephes. Ultimately, this emphasis on truth highlights the importance of living in alignment with God's truth, which is foundational for personal faith and communal integrity among believers.
Leadership and Authority
Leadership and authority are highlighted in verses 9-10, where John directly addresses Diotrephes’s rejection of his authority. The chapter complicates this theme by showcasing the negative consequences of self-serving leadership through Diotrephes's actions, which disrupt the unity of the church. This serves as a caution against leaders who prioritize their ambitions over the welfare of the community, emphasizing the need for humility and accountability in positions of leadership.
Imitating Good
The theme of imitating good is introduced in verse 11, where John encourages Gaius to follow the example of those who do good. This theme is developed through the contrast with Diotrephes, illustrating the vital choice between good and evil influences. It calls readers to discern and emulate behaviors that reflect God’s character.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 3 John 1
- 1 Peter 3This connects through themes of mutual support and doing good among believers, encouraging positive behavior.
- 2 Peter 1This echoes the call to live a life of virtue and knowledge, emphasizing growth in faith.
- 1 John 3This develops the theme of love and truth, linking Gaius's actions with the teachings of love in John's earlier letter.
- 1 Thessalonians 2This connects through the importance of mutual encouragement and the role of hospitality in ministry.
- Psalm 34This echoes the idea of seeking good and righteousness, reinforcing the call to live according to God’s will.
- 2 Peter 3This develops the concept of perseverance in truth and righteousness in the face of opposition.
Study questions
Questions for studying 3 John 1
- Who is Gaius and what is John's relationship with him?
- What does John hope for Gaius in verse 2?
- How does John describe the reports about Gaius in verses 3-4?
- What actions does Diotrephes take against John's teachings?
- Why is hospitality emphasized in verses 5-8?
- What does John mean by imitating good in verse 11?
- Who is Demetrius and how is he depicted in this letter?
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