The third epistle of John, often referred to as 3 John, remains a vital part of the New Testament that focuses on themes of truth, love, and the conduct befitting those who profess to follow Christ.
Written by the elder, Apostle John, this brief yet potent letter addresses key individuals in the early Christian community, shedding light on both the virtues and vices present within the church’s confines.
The epistle underscores the importance of living in truth and love, demonstrating how these values must govern the actions of believers, especially those in positions of influence or leadership.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On 2 John Chapter One here.
Apostle John’s affectionate and commendatory tone towards Gaius, the recipient of the letter, is palpable as he acknowledges Gaius’s faithfulness in supporting the missionaries.
Such conduct exemplifies the true manifestation of love in action, a central tenet that John emphasizes throughout his writings.
The contrast between the commendable actions of Gaius and the divisive behavior of Diotrephes provides readers with a clear distillation of the traits that should be pursued or avoided within the Christian life.
This delineation of character and conduct laid out in 3 John serves as an instructive guide for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of early church dynamics and the enduring principles that should inform Christian behavior.
Key Takeaways
- Apostle John emphasizes the integral relationship between truth and love in Christian conduct.
- The epistle commends the hospitality and faith of Gaius as qualities worth emulating.
- A cautionary note is sounded against the disruptive actions of Diotrephes, serving as a warning to maintain unity.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On 1 John Chapter Five here.
Commendation of Gaius
In the opening chapter of 3 John, the author, traditionally identified as John the Elder, speaks with affection and approval of Gaius, a member of the early Christian community.
This section highlights how Gaius is praised for his “Walking in Truth” and his “Faithfulness,” emphasizing his exemplar Christian conduct.
| Section | Theme | Key Verses | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greeting and Well Wishes | 3 John 1:1-2 | Begins with a personal greeting to Gaius, wishing him good health and prosperity as his soul prospers. |
| 2 | Commendation for Faithfulness | 3 John 1:3-4 | Praises Gaius for his faithfulness and walking in the truth, expressing joy at hearing such reports. |
| 3 | Support for Missionaries | 3 John 1:5-8 | Encourages hospitality towards brothers and strangers, recognizing their work for the sake of the Name. |
| 4 | Opposition from Diotrephes | 3 John 1:9-10 | Describes Diotrephes’ non-cooperation and malicious gossip, with plans to address these issues. |
| 5 | Imitate Good, Not Evil | 3 John 1:11 | Exhorts to imitate good rather than evil, highlighting that those who do good are from God. |
| 6 | Commendation of Demetrius | 3 John 1:12 | Provides a positive testimony about Demetrius, noting his good reputation among all. |
| 7 | Conclusion and Farewell | 3 John 1:13-14 | Concludes with a desire to speak face to face and extends peace and greetings from friends. |
Walking in Truth
Gaius’s spiritual integrity is foregrounded with his commitment to “Walking in Truth.” John rejoices greatly, describing the joy that comes from hearing of Gaius’s adherence to the truth.
Specifically, Gaius is recognized for living out the truths of the gospel in his daily actions, a behavior that has evidently earned him a good testimony among other Christians.
Gaius’ Faithfulness
In his faithfulness, Gaius exemplifies Christian love and hospitality, notably providing support to traveling missionaries.
This kind of aid was crucial for the spread of the early Christian message and Gaius’s role in this is highly commended. Moreover, John underscores that offering such support makes Gaius a co-laborer in the truth.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On 1 John Chapter Four here.
Condemnation of Diotrephes
In the third epistle of John, there is a stern rebuke of Diotrephes, a figure marked by his desire for preeminence within the church, his malicious behavior, and outright rejection of apostolic authority.
Opposing the Authority
Diotrephes is portrayed as a man who sought preeminence within the church, placing his own authority above that of the apostles.
His actions display a problematic power struggle that challenged the established order of the early Christian community. He not only disregarded the teachings and authority of John but also influenced others to do the same.
Problematic Behavior
Malicious words and gossiping are key characteristics of Diotrephes’ behavior. He actively sowed seeds of conflict within the church.
His tactics included spreading rumors and unjust criticisms against John and those aligned with apostolic teachings, escalating tensions among the members.
Rejecting Discipline
Diotrephes’ rejection of discipline compounded his condemnatory profile. He did not merely ignore correction; he excommunicated those who supported the apostles.
His refusal to show hospitality or accept those sent by John was a direct challenge to the communal norms and the spirit of brotherly love that the early church was striving to uphold. Such actions merited a robust condemnation by John, highlighting the dire consequences when personal ambition overshadows unity and truth.
Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On 1 John Chapter Three here.
Links Between 3 John and Other Books
Hospitality and Christian Conduct (3 John 1:5-8) and Hebrews (Hebrews 13:1-2):
In 3 John, the author praises Gaius for his hospitality towards itinerant Christian teachers, even those he did not know personally.
This practice of hospitality is also encouraged in the book of Hebrews, where the author exhorts believers to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:1-2).
Both texts highlight the importance of hospitality as a practical expression of Christian love and fellowship.
Imitating Good Rather Than Evil (3 John 1:11) and 1 Peter (1 Peter 2:12, 3:13):
The author of 3 John advises the recipient to imitate good rather than evil, asserting that those who do good are from God.
This call to virtuous living resonates with Peter’s first epistle, where he instructs believers to keep their conduct honorable among the Gentiles (1 Peter 2:12) and asks who will harm them if they are eager to do good (1 Peter 3:13).
Both passages encourage Christians to live exemplary lives that reflect God’s goodness.
Supporting Fellow Workers (3 John 1:5-8) and 1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9:14):
3 John emphasizes the importance of supporting fellow believers, especially those who are working to spread the gospel.
This support is not only a matter of hospitality but also of financial and material assistance. Paul addresses a similar topic in 1 Corinthians when he discusses the rights of apostles and those who proclaim the gospel to receive support from the churches they serve (1 Corinthians 9:14).
Both texts underscore the principle that those who dedicate themselves to ministry deserve the support of the Christian community.
Truth and Love (3 John 1:1-4) and Ephesians (Ephesians 4:15):
In 3 John, the author rejoices greatly when he finds members of the church walking in truth and love.
The combination of truth and love is also a theme in Ephesians, where Paul encourages believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), aiming to grow into maturity in Christ. The interplay between truth and love is foundational for Christian relationships and community building, with truth maintaining doctrinal integrity and love ensuring unity and compassion among believers.
Diotrephes’ Authoritarianism (3 John 1:9-10) and 2 Corinthians (2 Corinthians 10-13):
In 3 John, the author describes Diotrephes as someone who loves to be first and refuses to acknowledge the author’s authority, causing division within the church.
Similarly, Paul in 2 Corinthians defends his apostolic authority against some in the Corinthian church who challenge him, asserting his commitment to Christ’s mission and his unwillingness to be compared with “super-apostles” who boast of their credentials.
Both texts address the problem of individuals within the church seeking power and influence in ways that undermine true Christian leadership, which is characterized by service and humility.
The Role of Personal Testimony (3 John 1:12) and Acts (Acts 16:1-2; 22:12):
The author of 3 John speaks highly of Demetrius, who has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself.
This emphasis on personal testimony echoes the narrative in Acts, where the character of individuals like Timothy and Ananias is spoken of positively by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:1-2) and by Paul, who describes Ananias as a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews living in Damascus (Acts 22:12).
The New Testament frequently underscores the importance of a good reputation and credible witnesses in the early Christian communities.
Leadership and Service (3 John 1:9-10) and Mark (Mark 10:42-45):
The issues with Diotrephes in 3 John reflect a misunderstanding of Christian leadership. Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel of Mark provides a stark contrast to Diotrephes’ behavior.
Jesus tells His disciples that whoever wishes to become great among them must be their servant, and whoever wishes to be first must be slave of all, for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:42-45).
This teaching highlights that true leadership in the Christian context is about serving others, not seeking personal preeminence or power.
Dealing with False Teachers (3 John 1:9-10) and 2 Peter (2 Peter 2:1-3):
In 3 John, the author deals with Diotrephes, who is a problematic figure within the church, not because of false teaching but due to his behavior and refusal to acknowledge apostolic authority.
In 2 Peter, the issue is with false teachers who introduce destructive heresies and exploit the believers. While the situations are different, both epistles deal with the broader theme of confronting those who, in one way or another, threaten the health and unity of the church.
Support of Missionaries (3 John 1:5-8) and Acts (Acts 15:3, 20:35):
In 3 John, the author commends Gaius for his support of brothers, strangers, and missionaries, reflecting the early church’s practice of supporting those who were sent out to spread the gospel.
The Acts of the Apostles records several instances of this practice. For example, the church in Jerusalem sends Paul and Barnabas off on their missionary journey with their blessing (Acts 15:3), and Paul himself reminds the Ephesian elders of his own labor and the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
These passages highlight the reciprocal relationship between the church and its missionaries, with support flowing from the community to those on the front lines of evangelism.
The Priority of Love (3 John 1:6) and 1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 13:1-13):
In 3 John, the author’s commendation of Gaius for his loving actions towards others reflects the priority of love in the Christian community. This is echoed powerfully in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, where he provides an extensive discourse on love (often referred to as the “Love Chapter”).
Paul declares that even the most impressive spiritual gifts or acts are meaningless without love. Love is described as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, and as the greatest of the virtues that will last forever (1 Corinthians 13:1-13). Both epistles highlight that love is the defining characteristic of Christian behavior.
Condemnation of Selfish Ambition (3 John 1:9) and Philippians (Philippians 2:3):
Diotrephes is called out in 3 John for his selfish ambition and desire for preeminence within the church. This attitude is addressed by Paul in his letter to the Philippians, where he admonishes believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility to consider others better than themselves (Philippians 2:3).
Both passages confront the issue of self-centeredness and the disruption it causes in the Christian community, advocating for humility and service to others as the proper attitude for followers of Christ.
