3 John1

The Elder commends Gaius for his steadfast walk in truth and his faithful hospitality towards traveling brethren, expressing great joy in his spiritual well-being. In stark contrast, the Elder denounces Diotrephes, who seeks preeminence, rejects apostolic authority, and maliciously expels faithful believers from the church. The Elder promises to address Diotrephes's actions upon his arrival, while also commending Demetrius as an example of good conduct.

Salutation and Prayer for Gaius

1
From: The Elder To: Dear Gaius, whom I love in truth: ​
2
Dear friend, I am praying that everything prosper with you and that you be in good health, as I know you are prospering spiritually. ​
3
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.
4
Nothing gives me greater joy than hearing that my children are living in the truth. ​

Gaius Commended for Faithful Hospitality

5
Dear friend, you are faithful in all the work you are doing for the brothers, even when they are strangers to you.
6
They have testified to your love in front of the congregation. You will be doing well if you send them on their way in a manner worthy of God,
7
since it was for the sake of HaShem that they went out without accepting anything from the Goyim. ​
8
It is we, therefore, who should support such people; so that we may share in their work for the truth. ​

The Opposition of Diotrephes

9
I wrote something to the congregation; but Diotrephes, who likes to be the macher among them, doesn’t recognize our authority. ​
10
So if I come, I will bring up everything he is doing, including his spiteful and groundless gossip about us. And as if that weren’t enough for him, he refuses to recognize the brothers’ authority either; moreover, he stops those who want to do so and tries to drive them out of the congregation! ​
11
Dear friend, don’t imitate the bad, but the good. Those who do what is good are from God; those who do what is bad are not from God. ​

Commendation of Demetrius and Conclusion

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Everyone speaks well of Demetrius, and so does the truth itself. We vouch for him, and you know that our testimony is true. ​
13
I have much to write you, but I don’t want to write with pen and ink;
14
however, I am hoping to see you very soon, and we will speak face to face. Shalom to you. Your friends send you their greetings. Greet each of our friends by name.

Study Notes for 3 John 1

Verse 1

The 'elder' is traditionally identified as the Apostle John, who uses this title to emphasize his spiritual authority and seniority. Gaius was a recipient of this personal letter, likely a respected leader or wealthy patron in a local church in Asia Minor.

Verse 2

This verse is a common Hellenistic greeting, wishing physical and financial well-being. The key phrase, 'even as thy soul prospereth,' clarifies that John prioritized spiritual health, viewing material prosperity as secondary or parallel to inward growth.

Verse 4

The Elder referring to believers as 'my children' highlights his apostolic authority and spiritual fatherhood over the churches he founded or oversaw, a common theme in his epistles (1 John 2:1).

Verse 7

These traveling missionaries refused financial support from non-Christians ('the Gentiles'), ensuring that their witness was not compromised and that they relied solely on the Christian community for provision.

Verse 8

By supporting these traveling evangelists, Gaius and other local Christians become 'fellowhelpers to the truth' (co-workers). Hospitality is thus elevated from a simple charitable act to an active participation in missionary work.

Verse 9

Diotrephes represents a threat to apostolic authority; he actively sought preeminence (leadership) in the local church, rejecting the Elder’s legitimate oversight. This demonstrates early struggles for power within the developing church structure.

Verse 10

The malicious deeds of Diotrephes included slandering the apostles, refusing to host legitimate missionaries, and perhaps most severely, exercising unauthorized excommunication ('casteth them out of the church') against those who disagreed with him.

Verse 11

This verse serves as a crucial ethical hinge, contrasting the godly conduct of Gaius and the missionaries with the evil ambition of Diotrephes. Doing good is tied directly to knowing God, reflecting the ethical dualism common in John’s writings.

Verse 12

Demetrius is presented as a positive example, in contrast to Diotrephes. He was likely the bearer of this letter and is endorsed by John as someone whose character is confirmed both by the community and by the inherent truth of his actions.

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