The Third Letter of John

The Third Letter of John is a personal note of encouragement and guidance addressed to a faithful man named Gaius regarding the theme of Christian hospitality. It contrasts his generous support for traveling missionaries with the arrogant and divisive behavior of a local leader who refused to welcome them. We see the importance of being fellow workers for the truth by providing for the needs of those who go out for the sake of the Name. This book teaches us that our actions reveal whether we are from God or have not seen Him.

The narrative highlights the value of a good reputation and the joy that comes to a pastor when he hears that his children are walking in the truth. We are encouraged to imitate what is good rather than what is evil and to recognize the importance of character and integrity in the life of the Church. John stresses his hope to see his friend soon and to speak face to face about the matters that concern the peace of the community. The Third Letter of John invites us to a life of service and support for the mission of the Gospel within the family of faith.

Explore The Third Letter of John Study Guide →

Chapters

Chapter 1

¹The Elder, to Gaius, most beloved, whom I love in the truth. ? ²Most beloved, concerning everything, I make it my prayer that you may benefit by advancing and succeeding in whatever may be to the benefit of your soul. ? ³I was very glad when the brothers arrived, and when they offered testimony to the truth in you, that you are walking in the truth. ? ⁴I have no greater grace than this, when I hear that my sons are walking in the truth. ? ⁵Most beloved, you should act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, and those who are sojourners; ? ⁶they have given testimony to your charity in the sight of the Church. You would to well to lead these ones worthily to God. ? ⁷For they set out, on behalf of his name, accepting nothing from the unbelievers. ? ⁸Therefore, we must accept such as these, in order that we may cooperate with the truth. ? ⁹As it happens, I had written to the church. But Diotrephes, who loves to bear the highest rank among them, would not accept us. ? ¹⁰Because of this, when I come, I will admonish his works which he does, babbling against us with malicious words. And as if this were not sufficient for him, he himself does not receive the brothers. And those who do receive them, he hinders, and he ejects them from the church. ? ¹¹Most beloved, do not be willing to imitate what is evil; instead imitate what is good. Whoever does good is of God. Whoever does evil has not seen God. ? ¹²Testimony is being given for Demetrius by everyone, and by the truth itself. And we also offer testimony. And you know that our testimony is true. ? ¹³I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing, through ink and pen, to write to you. ? ¹⁴Yet I hope to see you soon, and then we will speak face to face. Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name. ?