The Book of 3 John

The Third Epistle of John, commonly referred to as 3 John, is a New Testament letter attributed to the Apostle John. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of this book:

Authorship and Date:

• Traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, though authorship is debated among scholars.
• Likely written in the late 1st century AD, possibly between 85 and 95 AD.

Audience and Purpose:

• Addressed to a specific individual named Gaius, likely a member of a local Christian community.
• The primary purpose is to commend Gaius for his support of traveling missionaries and to warn against the disruptive influence of Diotrephes, who rejected John’s authority and refused to show hospitality to fellow believers.

Themes:

• Hospitality and Support: John commends Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries, emphasizing the importance of showing hospitality to those who labor for the sake of the gospel.
• Truth and Righteousness: John encourages Gaius to continue walking in the truth and to imitate what is good, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and obedience to God’s commands.
• Conflict and Division: John warns against the disruptive influence of Diotrephes, who rejected John’s authority and refused to show hospitality to fellow believers, causing division and strife within the local church.
• Witness and Testimony: John affirms the good testimony of Demetrius and encourages Gaius to receive him warmly, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who are faithful to the truth of the gospel.
• Fellowship and Love: John expresses his desire to visit Gaius in person and to share fellowship with him, emphasizing the importance of mutual love and support among believers.

Structure:

• Greeting and Commendation (1:1-4): John greets Gaius and commends him for his support of traveling missionaries and his walk in the truth.
• Commendation of Gaius (1:5-8): John praises Gaius for his hospitality and support of the brethren, highlighting the importance of showing hospitality to those who labor for the sake of the gospel.
• Warning Against Diotrephes (1:9-10): John warns against the disruptive influence of Diotrephes, who rejected John’s authority and refused to show hospitality to fellow believers, causing division and strife within the local church.
• Commendation of Demetrius (1:11-12): John affirms the good testimony of Demetrius and encourages Gaius to receive him warmly, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who are faithful to the truth of the gospel.
• Conclusion and Farewell (1:13-14): John expresses his desire to visit Gaius in person and to share fellowship with him, concluding with greetings from friends and a benediction.

Key Verses:

• 3 John 1:4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
• 3 John 1:11: “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”
• 3 John 1:12: “Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.”

Significance:

• 3 John addresses important themes such as hospitality, support for traveling missionaries, righteousness, truth, and love among believers.
• The letter serves as a commendation of Gaius for his faithful support of the brethren and as a warning against the disruptive influence of Diotrephes, who rejected John’s authority and refused to show hospitality to fellow believers.
• Though short and often overlooked, 3 John contains valuable insights and practical guidance for believers in supporting those who labor for the sake of the gospel and in maintaining unity and love within the local church community.