The Third Epistle of John

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Book Summary 📜

The Third Epistle of John is the shortest book in the New Testament, a brief personal letter written by the Apostle John (the Elder) near the end of the first century, likely from Ephesus around AD 85–95. Addressed to Gaius, a beloved and faithful member of the church, this warm note focuses on the practical outworking of truth and love through hospitality and support for gospel workers. John writes as a spiritual father rejoicing in Gaius’s consistent walk: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).

John highly commends Gaius for his generous hospitality toward traveling missionaries and brothers who were serving Christ without taking support from unbelievers. These workers were bearing witness to the truth, and Gaius’s faithful partnership helped advance the gospel. In contrast, John sharply rebukes Diotrephes, a domineering church leader who loved preeminence, refused to welcome the brothers, slandered the apostles, and even cast out those who showed hospitality. John encourages Gaius to continue doing good and not imitate evil, while recommending Demetrius, a man of excellent testimony from the brothers and from the truth itself.

Though only fifteen verses long, 3 John is rich in lessons on Christian character, church leadership, and everyday faithfulness. It highlights the vital role of ordinary believers like Gaius who support kingdom work through open hearts and open homes. The letter reinforces the twin pillars of truth and love that mark genuine fellowship with God.

3 John Chapter 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.

About the Author: John

The Third Epistle of John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” He was the son of Zebedee, a Galilean fisherman, and one of Jesus’ closest followers who witnessed the Transfiguration, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. John became a key leader in the early church, serving as an elder in Ephesus. Writing near the end of his life (around 85–100 AD), the aged apostle composed this brief personal letter to Gaius, commending him for his faithfulness and hospitality while addressing issues of church leadership and support for traveling gospel workers.