3 John 1
About 3 JohnWritten by AI
Third John is a short personal note from the elder, traditionally the apostle John, to a believer named Gaius. Like 2 John, it was probably written late in the first century, and it gives a rare glimpse into everyday church life at the time.
Traveling preachers depended on believers to host them and send them on their way. Gaius had done this well. But a church leader named Diotrephes refused to receive them, rejected the elder's authority, and put out of the church anyone who tried to help. The elder writes to encourage Gaius, address the trouble, and commend a man named Demetrius.
Watch how ordinary hospitality is treated as real partnership in the truth, and how the elder's greatest joy is simple: hearing that his children are walking in the truth.
Before you read 3 John 1Written by AI
The elder prays for Gaius's health and rejoices that he walks in the truth. He praises his faithful hospitality to traveling believers, which makes him a fellow worker for the truth. Then he names Diotrephes, who loves to be first, spreads malicious talk, and refuses to welcome the brothers. Imitate good, not evil, he writes, and commends Demetrius before closing with hope of a visit.
A Greeting from the Elder
The elder,
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers. For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Gaius Commended for Hospitality
Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you. They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Diotrephes and Demetrius
I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.
Conclusion
I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink. Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face.
Peace to you.
The friends here send you greetings.
Greet each of our friends there by name.