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Walter Vermeylen (Viaduct, Néris-les-Bains, Auvergne, France)

A Study of 3 John

Author: Stephen Weller
6 Lessons
5,318 words, 28 minutes read time

Page Index

3 John 1 – The Example of Gaius and the Warning of Diotrephes

Introduction to 3 John

Bible Project – An Overview of 1, 2, and 3 John

Context for 3 John

3 John is the shortest letter in the New Testament by word count and was written by the Apostle John the Apostle near the end of the first century, likely from Ephesus. The letter is addressed to a faithful believer named Gaius, whom John loved deeply and commended for his commitment to the truth and his generous support of traveling Christian workers. During this period, the early church depended heavily on the hospitality of believers who provided lodging, food, and encouragement for missionaries and teachers as they traveled from place to place proclaiming the gospel. John writes to encourage Gaius to continue this ministry and to assure him that such support makes believers fellow workers with the truth.

A major concern in the letter is the troubling behavior of a church leader named Diotrephes. Unlike Gaius, Diotrephes sought personal prominence and authority within the church. He rejected apostolic instruction, spread malicious accusations against John and his associates, refused to welcome faithful Christian workers, and even expelled church members who showed them hospitality. His actions threatened the unity and spiritual health of the congregation. John therefore contrasts Diotrephes’ selfish ambition with the godly example of Gaius and urges believers not to imitate evil but to imitate what is good.

The letter also commends another believer, Demetrius, who had earned a good reputation among the churches and was likely either the bearer of the letter or a Christian worker whom John wished the church to receive warmly. Through these three men, Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius, John presents living examples of faithfulness, pride, and godly character. The letter emphasizes the importance of walking in the truth, supporting gospel ministry, exercising servant leadership, and demonstrating Christian love through practical actions.

Although brief, 3 John provides a valuable glimpse into the challenges faced by the early church. It reveals that even apostolic-era congregations struggled with pride, authority, hospitality, and relationships. At the same time, it shows that faithfulness is measured not merely by correct doctrine but by living out the truth through love, humility, and service to others.

Major Themes in 3 John

1. Walking in the Truth

One of the central themes of 3 John is the importance of living according to God’s truth. John commends Gaius because his life demonstrates faithfulness to the gospel. Truth is not merely something to be believed intellectually; it is to be practiced daily. The Christian life is marked by obedience to Christ, integrity of character, and consistency between belief and behavior. John expresses great joy when believers continue to walk in the truth and remain faithful to the teachings they have received.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:3–4

2. Christian Hospitality

John highly praises Gaius for showing hospitality to traveling believers and gospel workers. Hospitality was essential in the early church because missionaries depended upon the support of fellow Christians as they traveled from place to place. By welcoming and assisting faithful servants of Christ, believers become partners in the advancement of the gospel. This theme emphasizes generosity, service, and practical expressions of Christian love.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:5–8

3. Partnership in the Gospel

The letter teaches that all believers can participate in God’s work, even if they are not the ones preaching or traveling. Those who provide encouragement, resources, and support for gospel workers share in their ministry. John reminds believers that supporting faithful servants of God makes them fellow workers for the truth. The spread of the gospel is a shared responsibility among all Christians.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:8

4. Servant Leadership versus Selfish Ambition

John contrasts the faithful example of Gaius and Demetrius with the prideful behavior of Diotrephes. Diotrephes sought prominence and authority for himself rather than serving Christ and His people. His actions demonstrate the danger of pride, self-centered leadership, and rejection of godly authority. The letter teaches that Christian leadership should be characterized by humility, service, and submission to God’s truth.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:9–10

5. The Importance of Godly Examples

John presents two contrasting examples: Diotrephes, whose behavior should not be imitated, and Demetrius, whose life reflects a good testimony. Believers are encouraged to follow those whose lives demonstrate godliness and faithfulness. The Christian life is often strengthened through observing and imitating mature believers who model obedience to Christ.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:11–12

6. Doing Good as Evidence of Belonging to God

John teaches that a person’s actions reveal the reality of their spiritual condition. Those who belong to God will seek to do good, while those who persist in evil demonstrate that they do not truly know Him. Good works do not save a person, but they serve as evidence of a genuine relationship with God and a transformed life.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:11

7. Fellowship and Encouragement Among Believers

The letter closes with a warm expression of Christian friendship and fellowship. John desires to meet face-to-face rather than rely solely on written communication. Healthy relationships among believers provide encouragement, accountability, and mutual support. The church is portrayed as a family united by faith, truth, and love.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:13–15

Key Theme Summary

3 John emphasizes

  • walking in the truth
  • supporting the work of the gospel through hospitality
  • practicing humble and faithful leadership
  • following godly examples
  • maintaining loving fellowship within the church

Through the examples of Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius, John shows how believers should live in a manner that advances the truth and honors Christ.

Chapter 1 – Walking in the Truth with Love

Chapter Introduction

3 John offers a brief but vivid window into the relational life of the early church, highlighting the difference between genuine, Christ‑honoring leadership and self‑serving authority. John commends Gaius for his faithful walk in the truth and his generous hospitality toward traveling gospel workers, contrasting his character with Diotrephes, whose pride and hostility disrupt the church. The letter encourages believers to imitate what is good, support those who labor for the gospel, and cultivate a community shaped by truth, love, and integrity.

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Chapter Lesson Index

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Chapter Questions and Answers

  1. Who is the author of 3 John, and why does he call himself “the elder”?
  2. Who was Gaius, and why did John write to him?
  3. What does John mean when he says he has “no greater joy” than hearing his children walk in truth?
  4. What is the relationship between truth and love in this letter?
  5. Why was hospitality so important in the early church?
  6. What does John mean when he says believers become “fellow workers for the truth”?
  7. Who was Diotrephes, and why does John rebuke him?
  8. What lessons can church leaders learn from the example of Diotrephes?
  9. Who was Demetrius, and why does John commend him?
  10. Why does John tell believers to imitate what is good and not what is evil?
  11. What does 3 John teach about Christian character?
  12. How does 3 John contribute to the overall message of the New Testament?
  13. What is the central message of 3 John?

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Bible Lessons

1.1 3 John Introduction

With this lesson we begin a verse-by-verse study of the third letter of John. The most likely author was John the son of Zebedee, author of the Gospel of John. Though his name is not mentioned in the Fourth Gospel he is assumed to be “the beloved disciple” who reclined next to Jesus at the Last Supper (John 13:23). We found him at the foot of the cross when Jesus placed his mother, Mary, under his care as her own son. John witnessed the empty tomb and spent time with the resurrected Jesus. Also being with Jesus during his time of ministry provided time to get to know Jesus very well as a close friend.

3 John was probably written somewhere near Ephesus near the end of the first century AD.

It is possible that first, second and third John formed a single packet that was delivered at the same time. If so, then 1 John was considered to be a sermon for general distribution and not a letter in the strict sense. 2 John was to be read to Gaius’s church and 3 John was a personal letter to Gaius commending the one who delivered the packet of letters.

It has been decided to follow the three-point outline given by the text titles in the ESV Study Bible.

It is my prayer that you will enjoy this study as much as I look forward to writing the lessons.

1.2 3 John 1:1-4 Greeting to the Beloved Gaius

1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (2 John 1:1 – 4 ESV)

With this lesson we begin our formal study of the third letter of John. John opens the letter by identifying himself as the “elder” who is writing to the beloved Gaius. To him he expresses his love in truth.

Four times in this short letter, John refers to Gaius as beloved. Here in verse 1 and 2, John says, “To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” Then in verses 5 and 6, John says to Gaius, 5 “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.” And finally, in verses 11 and 12, John says, 11 “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

Using the term “beloved” conveys the truth that Christians are linked by the love God has shown them in Christ. We find this expressed in 1 John 4:9 – 10 ESV: 9 “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

It is not clear what John meant by the expression “love in truth.” It could simply mean love for a Christian brother who was saved by believing in the truth of the gospel.

John mentions three things he includes in his prayer for Gaius: (1) that all would go well with him, (2) that he would have good health, and (3) that it would go well with his soul. Wishing good health for one was a common way to open ancient Greek letters. John does more that wish for Gaius to have good health, he prays for good health and he also prays for care for his soul. Knowing that according to Psalm 119:67 and 71 spiritual growth can come through affliction such as sickness. It is not wrong to pray against affliction, but we should pray that when it does come we would have wisdom to know how to benefit from it. James 1:2 – 4 and Romans 5:3 – 5 indicate that growth can occur from being afflicted.

It appears from verse 3 that several believers from Gaius’s church came to visit John and reported that Gaius was walking in the truth in his ministry to those in the church. Hearing this causes John to greatly rejoice. Since Jesus is the truth, Gaius must be teaching and living out the truth that Jesus taught.

Those who John refers to as his children, that are walking in truth as Gaius was, are first children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, but being their spiritual overseer, John views them as his children. To those Paul oversees, he also refers to as his children.

1.3 3 John 1:5-8 Gaius Pleases John

5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. (3 John 1:5 – 8 ESV)

With the previous lesson we covered John’s greeting in his letter to Gaius. With this lesson we will begin the main section of this third letter.

In John’s second letter, he was concerned and thus warned against supporting the wrong people in ministry. John made it clear to the congregation that they must withstand pressure from persons or forces who do not abide in the teaching of Jesus Christ. In contrast with the second letter, the third letter is a letter affirming the work Gaius is doing among traveling brothers.

It appears that certain members of the church, were Gaius ministers, have been trained to be sent out as missionaries. It is these sent ones who have come to John and testify of the love Gaius shows towards those in the church. They testify of all Gaius has done in faithfully preparing them for such missionary service. It is through faithful work like this that the early Christian church survived and grew. These missionaries are referred to as strangers as they come from outside the local community where they go to serve.

John commends Gaius on doing well in sending these missionaries on their journey in a manner worthy of God. The context of this implies that these were sent out with necessary materials for ministry and with sufficient financial support to meet their needs. A similar context is found in Romans 15:24 ESV: “I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.” Also, in 1 Corinthians 16:6 ESV: “and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go.” 2 Corinthians 1:16 and Titus 3:13 emphasize the same idea of local congregations providing missionary support. They are to go out in his name without any need from those they go to as a witness.

John then turns to us and tells us that we ought to support people like these so they can go out and witness of Jesus Christ and the salvation he provided. I think of those faithful people that supported me during those years I ministered in China. I was a stranger when I went to China but that soon changed as hearts were being touched.

How are you applying what John is teaching in this lesson? Have you been or do you desire to be a sent one as a witness, or has God called you to provide for those being sent? Do you experience tension between serving self and serving others in this? John said, “Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth” (verse 8).

1.4 3 John 1:9-10 Concern about Diotrephes

9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. (3 John 1:9 – 10 ESV)

In the previous lesson John praised Gaius for his support for Christian itinerant workers. In this lesson John’s praise turns to concern about Diotrephes.

It appears that John had written other letters to the church which have been resisted by Diotrephes, who in his pride sees himself as more important than someone like John who God has appointed as leaders in the growing church. Diotrephes is not willing to accept the authority behind those letters and rejects their content and opposes it before the people.

This rejection of the Scriptures and what is being taught or preached from them occurs today among even believers who are not walking in obedience. In their pride they chose to accept and obey what they want and ignore the rest. This kind of sinful attitude is never satisfied and continues to seek for comfort as it decides what to obey and what to reject.

People like Diotrephes oppose the growth and development of the church by refusing to welcome visitors into the church and opposes those who do welcome them even putting them out of the church. People like Diotrephes seek to attract people to themselves and not to the Lord, thus destroying the purpose of the gospel by hindering the spread the good news of salvation.

John tells this congregation that if he comes he will make an issue before them about what Diotrephes is doing and point out his grievous sin and the damage it is doing to the church.

​1.5 3 John 1:11-12 Advice and Commendation of Demetrius

11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. (3 John 1:11 – 12 ESV)

In the previous lesson we looked at the concern John had over the evil influence Diotrephes was having on Gaius’s congregation. In this lesson we will look at John’s advice and commendation of Demetrius.

As John comes to the end of his short letter he issues some strong remarks of guidance. He tells them to “not imitate evil” which is probably a reference to not be like Diotrephes, but instead imitate good. Examples of this are found in the Old Testament. For example, in Psalm 34:14 ESV: “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”; in Psalm 37:27 ESV: “Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.”; and Isaiah 1:16 – 17 ESV: 16 “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”

John then adds: “Whoever does good is from God.” He expands this in 1 John 2:29 ESV: “If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.” 7 “Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. 8 Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.” (1 John 3:7 – 9 ESV).

John then tells them “whoever does evil has not seen God.” “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him: (1 John 3:6 ESV). When we are born again our bondage to sin is broken and our practice of sinning changes to a desire and effort to not sin. One who has seen God and knows him is one that is no longer a slave to sin but a slave to righteousness.

John then singles out Demetrius as a man that follows the truth based on the witness of those who know him. In 1 Timothy 3:7 (ESV), Paul speaks of the importance of this: “Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” In that context Paul was speaking of a quality required for one becoming an overseer, which can be applied in general to believers.

In addition to the testimony from those who know Demetrius, John adds his own by saying, “We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.” In John 21:24 (ESV), John speaks of bearing witness about Jesus: “This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.”

Do people have a good witness about your life and are you a good witness of the truth of the gospel?

1.6 3 John 1:13-15 John’s Final Greetings

13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.” (3 John 1:13 – 15 ESV)

With the previous lesson we finished the main section of John’s third letter. With this lesson we will cover his final greetings which is similar to the final greeting of 2 John.

In both second and third John, John says that he has much to write but that he would much rather share it face to face. Why the importance or advantage of face to face communication verses writing? I decided to Google that question and found a brief article at this link. The article written by Jose Palomino on February 14, 2018 listed five benefits of face to face communication. These will be listed below as they appear in the article with a brief summary for each.

(1) Easier to convince people – With face to face communication you have their attention and can see if they appear to be listening by how they engage with you. In face to face you are not like an email that can be skimmed over, closed, and forgotten.

(2) Stronger Connections – Being with a person creates a personal connection by adding memories about them that are not available through writing. It is the personal touch that is missing when just writing.

(3) Better non-verbal understanding – Face to face adds body language to communication which is missing when writing. Body language communicates feelings which are important for understanding.

(4) Quicker and more effective – Being with a person allows for quick give and take at one setting whereas writing may require a long time at a lower level of urgency.

(5) More team participation – Having all participants together encourages greater engagement and more collaboration. More can be accomplished in a shorter time.

Anyone who stops and things about their experiences with using letters or emails or messaging or some form of written communication and compares with face to face communication understands why John wants to share what is on his mind and heart with his readers face to face.

John closes with a personal statement by saying, “Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.”

This brings us to the end of the third letter of John and the need of choosing what to study next. Since Jude is a short letter and follows the third letter of John, it is tempting to do it next but when reading about its theme and its connection to the writings of Peter, it would appear wise to cover first and second Peter and then Jude as a sequence, and since the focus of our main study is Acts and the apostle in focus is currently Peter, we will begin 1 Peter with our next lesson.

Questions with Answers

1. Who is the author of 3 John, and why does he call himself “the elder”?

Answer:
The author identifies himself as “the elder,” a title that most scholars understand to refer to the Apostle John. By the time this letter was written, John was an elderly and respected leader in the church. Rather than emphasizing his apostolic authority, he uses a title that reflects both his age and his pastoral role. This reveals John’s humility and his close relationship with the believers under his care. He writes as a spiritual father who is concerned about the health, unity, and faithfulness of the church.

2. Who was Gaius, and why did John write to him?

Answer:
Gaius was a faithful Christian who was known for his commitment to the truth and his hospitality toward traveling Christian workers. John writes to encourage him and commend him for his faithful service. The letter shows that Gaius was supporting missionaries and teachers who traveled from church to church proclaiming the gospel. John wanted Gaius to know that his efforts were valuable and that he should continue serving God’s people despite opposition from others within the church.

Key Verse: 3 John 1:5-6

3. What does John mean when he says he has “no greater joy” than hearing his children walk in truth?

Answer:
John is speaking as a spiritual father. His greatest joy was not found in personal success, wealth, or recognition, but in seeing believers remain faithful to Christ. To “walk in truth” means more than believing correct doctrine; it means living according to God’s Word every day. John rejoiced when he heard that Christians were obeying God, growing spiritually, and demonstrating Christlike character. This statement reminds believers that spiritual growth and faithful living are among the most important measures of success in God’s kingdom.

Key Verse: 3 John 1:4

4. What is the relationship between truth and love in this letter?

Answer:
John consistently joins truth and love together. True Christianity is built upon sound doctrine and loving action. Gaius demonstrated both. He believed the truth of the gospel and expressed that truth through acts of kindness and hospitality. John teaches that genuine faith is not merely intellectual knowledge; it is truth lived out through loving service. A church that possesses truth without love becomes cold, while love without truth becomes misguided. The Christian life requires both.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:3-6

5. Why was hospitality so important in the early church?

Answer:
During the first century, Christian missionaries and teachers often traveled long distances to spread the gospel. There were few safe places for them to stay, and many inns were known for immoral conditions. Churches depended on faithful believers who would provide food, lodging, and support for these workers. By opening their homes, believers became partners in gospel ministry. Hospitality was not simply kindness; it was a practical way of advancing the mission of Christ.

Key Verse: 3 John 1:8

6. What does John mean when he says believers become “fellow workers for the truth”?

Answer:
John explains that those who support gospel workers share in the ministry itself. Not everyone is called to travel and preach, but all believers can contribute to the spread of the gospel through prayer, encouragement, financial support, and hospitality. When Christians help faithful servants of God, they participate in God’s work. This principle teaches that every believer has a role in advancing Christ’s kingdom.

Key Verse: 3 John 1:8

7. Who was Diotrephes, and why does John rebuke him?

Answer:
Diotrephes was a church leader who desired prominence and authority for himself rather than serving Christ humbly. John says that he loved to be first among the believers. He rejected apostolic authority, spread false accusations, refused to welcome faithful Christian workers, and even expelled believers who showed hospitality. His behavior demonstrated pride, selfish ambition, and abuse of leadership. John presents Diotrephes as a warning against leaders who seek personal power instead of serving God’s people.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:9-10

8. What lessons can church leaders learn from the example of Diotrephes?

Answer:
Diotrephes illustrates the dangers of pride and self-centered leadership. Christian leaders are called to serve rather than dominate, to encourage rather than control, and to point people toward Christ rather than themselves. Spiritual authority must always be exercised with humility, truth, and love. The church belongs to Christ, not to any individual leader. Diotrephes reminds believers that leadership without humility can damage both people and ministry.

Key Verses: 3 John 1:9-10

9. Who was Demetrius, and why does John commend him?

Answer:
Demetrius was a believer whose life reflected a good reputation among Christians. John states that he received a good testimony from everyone and from the truth itself. Unlike Diotrephes, whose life displayed pride and opposition, Demetrius demonstrated godly character and faithfulness. John presents him as an example worthy of imitation. His reputation was built not merely on words but on a life that consistently reflected Christ.

Key Verse: 3 John 1:12

10. Why does John tell believers to imitate what is good and not what is evil?

Answer:
Believers are constantly influenced by the examples around them. John contrasts Diotrephes and Demetrius to show the importance of choosing the right model to follow. Those who do good demonstrate that they belong to God, while those who persist in evil reveal a lack of genuine fellowship with Him. Christians are called to follow examples that reflect Christ’s character and God’s truth.

Key Verse: 3 John 1:11

11. What does 3 John teach about Christian character?

Answer:
The letter highlights several essential qualities of Christian character: faithfulness to the truth, hospitality, generosity, humility, love, and a willingness to support God’s work. Gaius and Demetrius display these qualities, while Diotrephes demonstrates the opposite. John shows that genuine Christianity is revealed not only by what a person professes but by how that person lives. Godly character is evidence of spiritual maturity.

12. How does 3 John contribute to the overall message of the New Testament?

Answer:
3 John emphasizes themes that appear throughout the New Testament: walking in truth, loving fellow believers, supporting gospel ministry, exercising godly leadership, and maintaining faithful Christian witness. Though it is the shortest book in the New Testament by word count, it provides practical instruction for church life. The letter demonstrates that the success of the gospel depends not only on preachers and missionaries but also on faithful believers who support and encourage them.

13. What is the central message of 3 John?

Answer:
The central message of 3 John is that believers should faithfully walk in the truth and support the work of the gospel while rejecting prideful and self-centered behavior. Through the examples of Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius, John shows the difference between godly and ungodly conduct. The letter calls Christians to live faithfully, serve others generously, support those who proclaim the truth, and imitate examples that honor Christ.

Key Verse: 3 John 1:11

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.”