3 John 1:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I rejoiced {G5463} greatly {G3029}, when the brethren {G80} came {G2064} and {G2532} testified {G3140} of the truth {G225} that is in thee {G4675}, even as {G2531} thou {G4771} walkest {G4043} in {G1722} the truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I was so happy when some brothers came and testified how faithful you are to the truth, as you continue living in the truth.

Berean Standard Bible

For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.

American Standard Version

For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle John expresses profound and intense joy upon receiving news from traveling believers concerning Gaius. This joy stems from the consistent testimony that Gaius not only possesses an internal understanding and embrace of Christian truth but also actively demonstrates this truth through his daily conduct and lifestyle. The verse encapsulates John's pastoral delight in seeing a fellow believer's life authentically aligned with the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Third John is a deeply personal letter from the Apostle John, identified as "the elder," to his beloved friend Gaius. Unlike 1 John, which is a theological treatise on fellowship with God, and 2 John, a warning against false teachers, 3 John focuses on practical matters within the early Christian community, particularly hospitality and church leadership. This verse, [3 John 1:3](/3_john/1-3 "3 John 1:3 - John's Joy in Gaius's Truth"), immediately follows John's affectionate greeting to Gaius, setting a positive tone before addressing the challenges posed by Diotrephes later in the letter ([3 John 1:9-10](/3_john/1-9-10 "3 John 1:9-10 - Diotrephes' Opposition")). It highlights John's deep pastoral concern and the immense encouragement he derives from the spiritual integrity of his converts and fellow laborers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was characterized by itinerant missionaries and teachers who traveled from city to city, spreading the Gospel. Hospitality was not merely a virtue but a practical necessity for these evangelists, providing them with lodging, sustenance, and a base for their ministry. Gaius was evidently known for extending such hospitality, a practice that affirmed his commitment to the "truth." In a world where communication was slow and often by word of mouth, the testimony of "the brethren" (fellow believers, possibly traveling missionaries or church leaders) was a crucial means of reporting on the spiritual state and conduct of individuals and churches. This informal network of communication fostered accountability and encouraged mutual support among believers across geographical distances.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 3 John and the broader Johannine corpus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **joy in godly living**, demonstrating John's profound satisfaction when believers live consistently with their faith, a joy he also expresses in [1 John 1:4](/1_john/1-4 "1 John 1:4 - Fullness of Joy"). Secondly, the repeated emphasis on "truth" highlights its foundational importance. "The truth that is in thee" refers to the indwelling reality of the Gospel and sound doctrine, while "walkest in the truth" signifies the practical outworking of this inner conviction in one's daily life, echoing the call to [walk in the light](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light") found in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Walking in the Light"). Finally, the mention of "the brethren" testifying points to the theme of **communal affirmation and accountability**, where the consistent lifestyle of a believer serves as a powerful witness to others, bringing encouragement to the wider Christian community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rejoiced (Greek, _chaírō'_):** This word signifies a deep, calm happiness and cheerfulness. It's not a fleeting emotion but a settled state of joy. John's "greatly" (G3029 _lían_) intensifies this, indicating an exceeding or very great joy. This joy is rooted in the spiritual well-being and faithful conduct of Gaius, demonstrating the profound satisfaction a spiritual leader experiences when his disciples live according to the Gospel.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** Derived from _alēthḗs_ (true), this term denotes not merely factual correctness but also reality, sincerity, and faithfulness. In a theological context, it refers to the revealed reality of God in Christ, the Gospel message, and the genuine spiritual state of a person. The phrase "the truth that is in thee" indicates an internal possession of this divine reality, while "walkest in the truth" refers to its outward manifestation in one's life.
* **walkest (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** Literally meaning "to tread all around" or "to walk at large," this verb is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe one's manner of life, conduct, or deportment. To "walk in the truth" means to live, act, and behave in a way that is consistent with the truth one professes and possesses. It implies a continuous, habitual lifestyle shaped by the principles of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I rejoiced greatly,"**: John begins by stating the profound personal joy he experienced. The introductory "For" (G1063 _gár_) indicates that what follows is the reason for this intense emotion. His joy is not superficial but deeply felt, reflecting his genuine pastoral affection and spiritual investment in Gaius.
* **"when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee,"**: This clause reveals the specific cause of John's rejoicing. "The brethren" (G80 _adelphós_), likely fellow believers or missionaries who had visited Gaius, brought a report. Their "testimony" (G3140 _martyréō_) was a verifiable witness to the spiritual reality within Gaius. The phrase "the truth that is in thee" (G225 _alḗtheia_ with G4675 _soû_) points to Gaius's internal spiritual condition – his genuine faith, his understanding of the Gospel, and the integrity of his Christian character.
* **"even as thou walkest in the truth."**: This final clause clarifies and confirms the nature of the "truth that is in thee." The phrase "even as" (G2531 _kathṓs_) indicates a direct correspondence or conformity. Gaius's inner truth was not merely theoretical or intellectual; it was actively demonstrated and lived out. His "walking in the truth" (G4043 _peripatéō_ with G1722 _en_ and G225 _alḗtheia_) signifies a lifestyle where his actions, decisions, and overall conduct were consistent with the Christian faith he embraced, providing external validation for the internal reality.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Repetition** is prominent with the word "truth" (Greek _alētheia_) appearing twice, first as an internal possession ("truth that is in thee") and then as an external practice ("walkest in the truth"). This repetition emphasizes the holistic nature of genuine faith, which encompasses both belief and behavior. The phrase "walkest in the truth" is a **metaphor**, a common biblical idiom for one's manner of life or conduct. It vividly portrays the Christian life as a journey or a continuous progression, where every step is guided by and consistent with divine truth. Finally, the act of "testifying" (Greek _martyréō_) highlights the theme of **witness**, where the lives of believers serve as living proof of the transformative power of the Gospel, bringing joy and affirmation to others in the Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully articulates the essential unity between internal conviction and external conduct in the Christian life. It underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent to doctrine but a dynamic, transformative power that shapes one's entire being and way of life. John's joy is rooted in seeing this authentic integration, affirming that a life lived in accordance with God's truth is the greatest testimony to His work. This concept is foundational to New Testament ethics, emphasizing that our walk must align with our talk, and our deeds must reflect our creeds. The "truth" here is not just abstract philosophical truth, but the revealed truth of God in Christ, the Gospel, which when embraced, empowers and compels a life of integrity and faithfulness.

* [1 John 1:6](/1_john/1-6 "1 John 1:6 - Walking in Darkness vs. Light")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")
* [Ephesians 4:1](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1 - Walk Worthy of Your Calling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John's profound joy over Gaius's walk in truth serves as a powerful mirror for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider whether our lives are genuinely reflecting the truth we profess. Is the truth of Christ truly "in us," shaping our thoughts, desires, and motivations? And equally important, are we "walking in the truth," meaning are our daily actions, decisions, and relationships consistent with the Gospel? This verse calls us to a life of integrity, where there is no disconnect between our private faith and our public conduct. When we embody the truth, it not only honors God but also becomes a source of immense encouragement to fellow believers and a compelling witness to a watching world. It reminds us that our spiritual health is interconnected, and our faithful living brings joy to the heart of God and to those who shepherd us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for "the truth" to be "in you" in a practical sense?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel you are most consistently "walking in the truth," and where might there be a disconnect?**
* **How does your walk in truth (or lack thereof) impact those around you, particularly other believers?**
* **What steps can you take this week to more intentionally align your actions with the truth of God's Word?**

### FAQ
**What is "the truth" John refers to in this verse?**

Answer: In the Johannine writings, "the truth" (Greek _alētheia_) is a multifaceted concept. Primarily, it refers to the revealed reality of God, fully embodied in Jesus Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). It encompasses the Gospel message, sound doctrine, and the authentic spiritual reality that transforms a believer's life. When John speaks of "the truth that is in thee," he means Gaius's genuine faith, his understanding and acceptance of the Christian message, and the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). It's not just intellectual assent but a profound, life-altering embrace of God's reality.

**Why is "walking in the truth" so important for a believer?**

Answer: "Walking in the truth" signifies living a life consistent with the truth one professes. It's crucial because it demonstrates the authenticity and transformative power of one's faith. If the truth is genuinely "in" someone, it should inevitably manifest in their conduct. This practical outworking of faith brings glory to God, provides a credible witness to the world, and strengthens the Christian community. John emphasizes this throughout his letters, for example, in [1 John 2:6](/1_john/2-6 "1 John 2:6 - Abiding in Christ"), where he states that whoever claims to abide in Christ ought to walk as Christ walked. It's the tangible evidence that one is a "doer of the word, and not a hearer only" ([James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Doers of the Word")).

**Who are "the brethren" mentioned in this verse, and why is their testimony significant?**

Answer: "The brethren" (Greek _adelphoi_) refers to fellow Christians, likely traveling missionaries or evangelists, who had recently visited Gaius and then reported back to John. Their testimony was significant for several reasons. Firstly, in the early church, such reports were a vital means of communication and accountability across geographically dispersed communities. Secondly, their eyewitness account provided independent verification of Gaius's character and conduct, confirming his genuine faith and hospitality. This external validation brought immense joy and encouragement to John, serving as a powerful affirmation of Gaius's spiritual integrity and his faithful service to the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 3 John 1:3 focuses on Gaius's personal walk in truth, its ultimate fulfillment and significance are found in Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be "the truth" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), embodying the very essence of divine reality and faithfulness. Therefore, for truth to be "in" Gaius means that Christ, the Truth, dwells within him through the Holy Spirit. Gaius's ability to "walk in the truth" is not a self-generated virtue but a direct result of his union with Christ and the transforming power of the Gospel. As believers, we are called to put on "the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:24](/ephesians/4-24 "Ephesians 4:24 - Put on the New Self")), which is a life lived in conformity to Christ, who is the Truth. Our walk in truth is thus a reflection of Christ's character being formed in us, a testament to His indwelling presence, and a participation in His own perfect obedience, enabling us to live lives that bring joy to the heart of God, just as Gaius's life brought joy to John.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 John 1:4

I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

2 John 1:2

For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

Romans 1:8

¶ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Romans 1:9

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

1 Thessalonians 3:6

¶ But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you:

1 Thessalonians 3:9

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

Psalms 119:11

¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.