The Book of 3 John is the twenty-fifth book of the New Testament and the shortest book in the Bible by word count.
Written by the apostle John, this personal letter is addressed to Gaius, a faithful Christian who showed hospitality to traveling gospel workers.
The letter contrasts Gaius’s godly example with Diotrephes, a prideful and controlling leader.
John encourages continued faithfulness in supporting truth, loving others, and imitating what is good.
Commending Gaius for Walking in Truth (3 John 1:1–8)
John expresses joy in Gaius’s spiritual health and commends him for showing hospitality to fellow believers.
Key Highlights:
- Gaius is loved for his truth and faithfulness
- John rejoices to hear that Gaius is walking in truth
- Gaius is praised for welcoming and supporting traveling Christian workers
- By doing so, he becomes a fellow worker for the truth
- Hospitality is essential for the spread of the gospel
Lesson: Supporting those who serve the gospel is a tangible expression of love and faithfulness to Christ.
Confronting Diotrephes and His Toxic Behavior (3 John 1:9–10)
John calls out Diotrephes, who opposes apostolic authority and refuses to welcome others.
Key Highlights:
- Diotrephes loves to be first and refuses to listen to John’s instruction
- He speaks maliciously against church leaders
- He excludes others and even puts people out of the church who welcome gospel workers
- John promises to confront him if he visits
Lesson: Prideful, divisive leadership harms the church—godly leaders serve with humility and truth.
Imitating Good, Not Evil (3 John 1:11–14)
John closes the letter by encouraging Gaius to continue following good examples and mentions another faithful brother, Demetrius.
Key Highlights:
- “Do not imitate what is evil but what is good”
- The one who does good is from God
- Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone and by the truth itself
- John hopes to visit soon and speak face to face
- Closes with a blessing of peace and greetings from mutual friends
Lesson: Imitation matters—follow those whose lives reflect truth, humility, and godly character.
Themes of 3 John
- Christian Hospitality – Supporting gospel workers is a vital ministry
- Faithfulness in Truth – Walking in truth brings joy and strengthens the church
- Godly vs. Toxic Leadership – Prideful control is condemned; servant-hearted leadership is praised
- Imitating What Is Good – Our lives should reflect Christ by following godly examples
- Christian Fellowship – Personal connection and shared mission strengthen the body of Christ
Final Thoughts
The Book of 3 John is a short but powerful letter reminding us that faith is lived out through action—especially in how we support others and lead with integrity.
It’s a call to generosity, humility, and truth in a world where self-promotion and control can sneak into even the church.
John’s message is simple: walk in truth, love one another, and keep following what is good.
