3 John Chapter 1 — Walking in Truth and Hospitality
The elder writes to Gaius to praise his faithfulness and hospitality toward traveling believers while addressing a leadership conflict involving Diotrephes.
1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
6They 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,
7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.
10Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
11Beloved, 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.
12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
14but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
3 John 1:4
“I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.”
This verse expresses the primary pastoral joy of seeing believers live out their faith authentically.
3 John 1:11
“Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God.”
It provides a clear moral imperative to distinguish between godly behavior and the self-serving actions of leaders like Diotrephes.
Chapter Summary
In this personal letter, the elder addresses Gaius, expressing joy that he continues to walk in the truth. He commends Gaius for his hospitality toward traveling brothers and strangers who are spreading the Gospel, noting that such support makes believers fellow workers for the truth. However, the author warns against Diotrephes, a local leader who refuses to recognize the elder's authority and forbids others from showing hospitality. Diotrephes is criticized for his desire to be first and for unjustly accusing the elders with wicked words. In contrast, Demetrius is highlighted as a man of good testimony who is well-regarded by all. The letter concludes with the elder expressing a desire to visit in person and speak face to face rather than continuing to write with pen and ink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gaius was a beloved member of the early church whom the author, known as the elder, commends for his faithfulness and hospitality. He is praised specifically for supporting traveling brothers who were working for the sake of the Name.
Diotrephes was a leader in the local assembly who refused to accept the authority of the elder or receive other brothers. He is described as someone who loves to be first and even expelled people from the assembly for showing hospitality to travelers.
Demetrius was a believer mentioned toward the end of the letter who received a good testimony from everyone and from the truth itself. The elder recommends him as an example of someone whose life aligns with the gospel.
Study Note
Third John is the shortest book in the Bible by word count in its original Greek text.
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