3 John 1

¹ The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

² Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

³ For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

⁵ Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

⁶ Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

⁷ Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

⁸ We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

⁹ I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

¹⁰ Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.

¹¹ Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

¹² Demetrius hath good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, and we [also] bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

¹³ I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

¹⁴ But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Overview of 3 John Chapter 1

3 John is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, consisting of a single chapter with 14 verses. This epistle is attributed to the Apostle John and is addressed to a man named Gaius. The chapter emphasizes themes of hospitality, truth, and the importance of supporting fellow believers in their ministry.

Key Themes

• Hospitality and Support: The chapter highlights the importance of showing hospitality to traveling missionaries and supporting their work.
• Truth and Faithfulness: John commends Gaius for walking in the truth and living a life that reflects his faith.
• Contrast between Good and Evil: The chapter contrasts the behavior of Gaius with that of Diotrephes, who seeks to assert his authority and reject the apostolic teaching.
• Encouragement and Commendation: John encourages Gaius and commends him for his good deeds, reinforcing the value of living a life aligned with Christian principles.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

1. Verse 1: John addresses Gaius, whom he loves in truth, establishing a personal connection and emphasizing the bond of love among believers.
2. Verse 2: John expresses a wish for Gaius’s health and prosperity, indicating a holistic view of well-being that encompasses both physical and spiritual aspects.
3. Verse 3: The joy that comes from hearing about Gaius’s faithfulness to the truth is highlighted, showing the importance of living according to God’s word.
4. Verse 4: John states that there is no greater joy than to see his children walking in the truth, underscoring the deep connection between spiritual leaders and their followers.
5. Verse 5: John commends Gaius for his hospitality towards the brethren, which reflects the Christian duty to care for one another.
6. Verse 6: The testimony of the brethren about Gaius’s love and support is noted, illustrating the communal aspect of faith and the importance of reputation among believers.
7. Verse 7: John mentions that Gaius has supported missionaries for the sake of the name, emphasizing the selfless nature of true Christian service.
8. Verse 8: John encourages the church to support such individuals, reinforcing the idea that cooperation and support are vital for the spread of the Gospel.
9. Verse 9: A shift occurs as John mentions Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence, indicating a warning against pride and self-importance within the church.
10. Verse 10: John expresses his intention to confront Diotrephes about his actions, highlighting the need for accountability among church leaders.
11. Verse 11: John urges Gaius not to imitate evil but to imitate good, providing a clear moral directive for believers in their conduct.
12. Verse 12: A positive testimony about Demetrius is introduced, contrasting him with Diotrephes and reinforcing the idea of commendable character in the community.
13. Verse 13: John expresses a desire to write more but prefers to speak face-to-face, indicating the value of personal communication in relationships.
14. Verse 14: The chapter concludes with a farewell, emphasizing peace and mutual support among believers.

Conclusion

3 John Chapter 1 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, hospitality, and community within the Christian faith. The contrast between Gaius and Diotrephes illustrates the varying responses to leadership and authority within the church. Ultimately, the chapter encourages believers to support one another and live in accordance with the truth of the Gospel.