3 John
Truth lived out in hospitality: support those who carry the truth, and do not imitate the preeminent.
Third John is a personal letter to a man named Gaius, a believer whom John loved “in the truth.” It introduces three men and teaches through their example.
Gaius is commended for walking in the truth and for his faithful hospitality to traveling brethren and strangers who went forth for the Name’s sake, taking nothing of the Gentiles. By helping them he became a fellow helper to the truth (5–8).
Diotrephes, who loved to have the preeminence, refused to receive John’s letter or the brethren, prated against John with malicious words, and cast out of the church those who would receive them (9–10). Demetrius, probably the bearer of the letter, had a good report of all men and of the truth itself (12). John closes with a simple rule: “follow not that which is evil, but that which is good” (11).
Writer: John the apostle, writing as the elder
Written: From Ephesus, about AD 86 (within AD 68–90).
Name: John means Jehovah is gracious.
Title and authorship
The third epistle of John, from the elder to Gaius.
The apostle John, “the elder,” wrote the letter, as he wrote 2 John.
Historical background
Probably from Ephesus between AD 68 and 90, near the time of 2 John.
Gaius, a faithful believer, probably in a church in Asia Minor.
Missionaries “for his name’s sake”
The traveling brethren went out “for his name’s sake, taking nothing of the Gentiles” (7). They refused support from unbelievers so that the gospel would not appear to be a money-making scheme, and depended on churches and faithful individuals.
Church authority conflicts
Diotrephes may have been a leader who resisted John’s apostolic oversight and the traveling workers connected with him. His behavior shows that power struggles appeared in local churches even in apostolic times.
Letter bearer
Demetrius, well reported of all, may have carried the letter and needed Gaius’ hospitality. Commendatory letters were common in the early church (2 Corinthians 3:1).
Key passages
3 John 4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 5–8
Faithful hospitality to those who go forth for His name makes us fellowhelpers to the truth.
3 John 11
Follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.
Outline
1–8 · Gaius confirmed
His walk in truth becomes generous support of the brethren.
9–10 · Diotrephes confronted
Self-importance produces rejection, accusation, and exclusion.
11–14 · Demetrius commended
A good testimony supplies a positive example, followed by the hope of a visit.
Original language
εὐοδόω (euodoo, G2137) — “prosper”
Literally “to have a good journey,” then to prosper. John wishes Gaius health and prosperity “even as thy soul prospereth” (2)—spiritual health first.
φιλοπρωτεύω (philoproteuo, G5383) — “loveth to have the preeminence”
To love being first. The word appears only here. Christ alone should have the preeminence (Colossians 1:18).
συνεργός (sunergos, G4904) — “fellowhelpers”
Co-workers. By supporting traveling missionaries, believers who stay at home become fellow workers with them for the truth (8).
ἀγαθοποιέω (agathopoieo, G15) — “doeth good”
“He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (11).
Doctrinal study
Supporting the work
Believers ought to receive such as go forth for His name, “that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth” (8). Missionary support is not charity; it is partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:5; 4:15–17).
Leadership without lordship
Diotrephes illustrates what Peter forbids: being lords over God’s heritage (1 Peter 5:3). Christ said the greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:11). Love of preeminence is an ancient and constant danger in churches.
Walking in truth
Walking in truth is more than holding correct doctrine; it is living consistently with it. John’s greatest joy was not the size of his following but the faithfulness of his children.
Commentary notes
Adorning the doctrine
Balance must be maintained between a strong stand for truth and a strong commitment to live it. The pendulum swings from heartless legalism to truthless acceptance; both are unacceptable. Doctrine is something to be worn (Titus 2:10): preferring one another, humble in mind, not self-willed.
The Diotrephes mentality
He always wants the limelight, does not submit to authority, generates false accusations against those he sees as a threat, and does not live a life of hospitality toward the church or its missionaries. Ask: How do I respond when others receive attention? How do I speak of the authorities in my life?
Three kinds of church members
The prosperous one (Gaius, 1–8), the proud one (Diotrephes, 9–10), and the faithful one (Demetrius, 11–14). Every congregation has all three.
Christ in the book
- The Name for whose sake the brethren went forth (7)
- The one who alone deserves the preeminence (Colossians 1:18)
Applications
Historical
- John encourages the faithful brethren to be governed not by the power of the preeminent but by the sacrifices of faithful servants.
- The letter concerns the practical needs of traveling ministers and the response of a local Christian community.
- John writes personally to Gaius while dealing with a problem that has wider congregational consequences.
Doctrinal
- The Lord’s seventh letter to the saints of the last days, confirming the faithful who sacrifice to reach the lost and exposing the pride of those who love preeminence.
- Fellowship in the truth involves participation in its faithful spread. Those who support gospel labor share in that work.
- No person’s desire for prominence gives authority to override truth or mistreat the brethren.
Devotional
- A genuine heart for the truth will always show itself in humble, selfless, sacrificial service, especially toward those who take the truth to the world. Support the ministers of the gospel; do not lord it over others.
- Hospitality, financial support, and encouragement enable believers to participate in the service of those who carry the gospel.
- The conduct of Diotrephes warns against allowing the desire for prominence to govern decisions about ministry and fellowship.
- The testimony concerning Demetrius provides an example of good conduct, while the treatment of the brethren by Diotrephes requires correction.
Answering the critics
Like 2 John, the letter has attracted debate about authorship and date without substantial result.
Its tone, vocabulary, and self-designation as “the elder” match 2 John. Nothing in it has given serious ground for dispute.