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
The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. ​
2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. ​
3
For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
4
I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth. ​

Gaius Commended for Faithful Hospitality

5
Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
6
They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,
7
because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. ​
8
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. ​

The Opposition of Diotrephes

9
I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. ​
10
Therefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly. ​
11
Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God. ​

Commendation of Demetrius and Conclusion

12
Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true. ​
13
I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
14
but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the 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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