ScriptureDepth's study of 3 John 1
“Beloved, 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.”
3 John 1:11
John instructs Gaius not to imitate evil, reaffirming that doing good aligns one with God, which contrasts Diotrephes' behavior in the chapter.
What 3 John 1 is about
The elder greets Gaius, saying he loves him in truth (vv. 1-2). He prays that Gaius may prosper and be healthy as his soul prospers. The elder rejoices at the report of Gaius walking in truth (vv. 3-4). He commends Gaius for his faithful work and hospitality to brothers and strangers (vv. 5-8). The elder urges Gaius to support travelers in a way that honors God. He writes about Diotrephes, who refuses to accept the elder's message and disrupts the church (vv. 9-10). Diotrephes also forbids others from receiving the brothers. The elder encourages Gaius to imitate good and not evil (vv. 11-12). He notes that Demetrius has a good testimony. The elder wishes to visit Gaius and speak face to face, closing with greetings from friends (vv. 13-14).
Gaius is called to support good work and avoid following those who do evil.
3 John 1 at a glance
- 3 John 1:1–2Greeting and Prayer for Gaius
- 3 John 1:3–4Joy in Gaius's Truth
- 3 John 1:5–8Commendation of Hospitality
- 3 John 1:9–10Warning Against Diotrephes
- 3 John 1:11–12Encouragement to Imitate Good
- 3 John 1:13–14Conclusion and Personal Note
Key verse: 3 John 1:11
One thing to notice
The chapter contains a commendation of Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling teachers in verses 5 through 8. His actions are praised as being in line with the truth, portraying him as a model for others in the community.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read 3 John 1 (WEB)
Greeting and Prayer for Gaius 3 John 1:1–2
1Verse 1. The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. 2Verse 2. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
Joy in Gaius's Truth 3 John 1:3–4
3Verse 3. For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4Verse 4. I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.
Commendation of Hospitality 3 John 1:5–8
5Verse 5. Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6Verse 6. They 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, 7Verse 7. because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8Verse 8. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Warning Against Diotrephes 3 John 1:9–10
9Verse 9. I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. 10Verse 10. Therefore 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.
Encouragement to Imitate Good 3 John 1:11–12
11Verse 11. Beloved, 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. 12Verse 12. Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
Conclusion and Personal Note 3 John 1:13–14
13Verse 13. I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; 14Verse 14. but 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)
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Main themes in 3 John 1
Hospitality
Hospitality is commended as a faithful work in this chapter. In verses 5-6, John writes about Gaius's actions towards 'brothers and strangers,' noting that he does a 'faithful work' in sending them on their journey 'in a way worthy of God.' This commendation illustrates the value of supporting fellow believers, while also encouraging the practice of receiving those who come in the name of God.
Truth
Truth is a central theme in this chapter, particularly in the context of Gaius's character. In v. 4, John expresses great joy in hearing that Gaius's 'children' are 'walking in truth.' The emphasis on truth continues as John mentions Demetrius in v. 12, who has the testimony of all and 'the truth itself.' This chapter focuses on the call to live in truth, contrasting it with the behavior of others within the assembly.
Leadership and Authority
Leadership and authority are challenged in this chapter, particularly through the figure of Diotrephes. In verses 9-10, John notes that Diotrephes 'loves to be first' and does not accept John's authority, unjustly accusing him. This negative portrayal reveals the consequences of seeking personal power at the expense of others, as demonstrated by Diotrephes's actions against those who would receive brothers.
Imitating Good
Imitating good is encouraged as a vital aspect of faith in this chapter. In v. 11, John instructs Gaius not to 'imitate that which is evil, but that which is good,' stating that 'he who does good is of God.' The chapter contrasts the actions of Diotrephes with the commendable behavior of Gaius and Demetrius, reinforcing the call to follow examples of goodness and righteousness within the community.
Chapter outline
How 3 John 1 unfolds
3 John 1:1–2 Greeting and Prayer for Gaius
The elder addresses Gaius with affection and offers a prayer for his overall well-being, linking physical health to the prosperity of his soul (v. 2).
3 John 1:3–4 Joy in Gaius's Truth
The elder expresses great joy when brothers testify about Gaius, noting 'even as you walk in truth' and stating, 'I have no greater joy than this' to hear of his children walking in truth (vv. 3-4).
3 John 1:5–8 Commendation of Hospitality
Gaius is commended for his hospitality towards traveling brothers, with encouragement to send them on their journey in a manner that honors God (vv. 5-8).
3 John 1:9–10 Warning Against Diotrephes
A warning is issued against Diotrephes, who refuses to accept the elder's authority and disrupts the reception of traveling believers (vv. 9-10).
3 John 1:11–12 Encouragement to Imitate Good
The elder instructs Gaius to avoid imitating evil behavior, affirming that those who do good are aligned with God, while evil-doers lack true knowledge of Him (vv. 11-12).
3 John 1:13–14 Conclusion and Personal Note
The elder mentions having many things to write but chooses not to use ink and pen, expressing hope to see Gaius soon and sending peace along with greetings from friends (vv. 13-14).
Key verses
3 John 1:11John instructs Gaius not to imitate evil, reaffirming that doing good aligns one with God, which contrasts Diotrephes' behavior in the chapter.
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Study questions
Questions for studying 3 John 1
- observeIn v2, what does John wish for Gaius regarding his health and prosperity?
- observeIn v8, what does John say we ought to do for those who go out for the truth?
- interpretDiotrephes' actions in vv. 9-10: what does his refusal to receive the brothers suggest about his character?
- interpretThe term 'the Name' in v7: what is implied about the reason these travelers went out?
- applyWhen have you seen someone in a position of authority behave like Diotrephes in vv. 9-10?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo 3 John 1
- 1 Peter 33 John 1:11 and 1 Peter 3:11Both do good: 3 John 1:11 says, "He who does good is of God," while 1 Peter 3:11 states, "Let him turn away from evil, and do good."
- 2 Peter 13 John 1:2 and 2 Peter 1:3Both pertain to life: 3 John 1:2 expresses a wish for prosperity, while 2 Peter 1:3 states, "his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness."
- 1 John 33 John 1:11 and 1 John 3:6Both do good: 3 John 1:11 indicates, "He who does good is of God," while 1 John 3:6 says, "Whoever sins hasn’t seen him and doesn’t know him."
- 1 Thessalonians 23 John 1:2 and 1 Thessalonians 2:13Both prosper: 3 John 1:2 expresses a wish for prosperity, while 1 Thessalonians 2:13 thanks God for their acceptance of the truth.
- Psalm 343 John 1:11 and Psalm 34:14Both do good: 3 John 1:11 says, "He who does good is of God," while Psalm 34:14 instructs, "Depart from evil and do good."
- 2 Peter 33 John 1:2 and 2 Peter 3:18Both grow: 3 John 1:2 wishes for health and prosperity, while 2 Peter 3:18 encourages growth in grace and knowledge.
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