3 John 1: Group Study Handout

Overview

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).

Key verse

“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 (WEB)

Outline

1. 3 John 1:1–2 Greeting and Prayer for Gaius
2. 3 John 1:3–4 Joy in Gaius's Truth
3. 3 John 1:5–8 Commendation of Hospitality
4. 3 John 1:9–10 Warning Against Diotrephes
5. 3 John 1:11–12 Encouragement to Imitate Good
6. 3 John 1:13–14 Conclusion and Personal Note

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what does John wish for Gaius regarding his health and prosperity?
2. In v8, what does John say we ought to do for those who go out for the truth?
3. Diotrephes' actions in vv. 9-10: what does his refusal to receive the brothers suggest about his character?
4. The term 'the Name' in v7: what is implied about the reason these travelers went out?
5. When have you seen someone in a position of authority behave like Diotrephes in vv. 9-10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 3 John 1: 1 Peter 3, 2 Peter 1, 1 John 3.

Before next time: read Jude 1.