3 John is book 25 of the 27 books of the New Testament and belongs to the General Letters section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- New Testament · General Letters
- Genre
- Letter (personal letter of commendation)
- Author (traditional)
- The apostle John, calling himself 'the elder'.
- Other views on authorship
- From the same author or circle as 2 John; whether 'the elder' is the apostle is debated.
- Date (traditional)
- About AD 85–95.
- Other views on dating
- Generally AD 90–110.
- Chapters
- 1
- Verses
- 14
- Reading time
- About 2 minutes (309 words in the BSB)
What is 3 John about?
This is the most personal of the letters of John. The elder writes to Gaius, a believer he loves, and prays that he will be in good health just as his soul is doing well. He has heard from returning missionaries that Gaius is walking in the truth and has treated them generously.
In contrast, Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, refuses to welcome these workers, spreads malicious talk about the elder and even puts out of the church those who want to help. The elder plans to deal with this when he comes.
The letter ends by commending Demetrius — possibly the man carrying the letter — and with the same wish as 2 John: to speak face to face rather than with ink and pen.
Outline of 3 John
| VersesVv. | Section |
|---|---|
| vv. 1–4 | Greeting and joy Prayer for Gaius's health; joy that he walks in the truth. |
| vv. 5–8 | Supporting the workers Gaius is praised for his hospitality to travelling brothers. |
| vv. 9–10 | The problem of Diotrephes A leader who loves to be first and refuses to receive others. |
| vv. 11–14 | Imitate good; closing Demetrius commended; hope to visit; greetings from friends. |
Key themes
- Hospitality as partnership. By supporting travelling teachers, believers become fellow workers for the truth.
- Humble leadership. Diotrephes shows how love of position can damage a church. The contrast echoes Jesus' teaching that the greatest should serve.
- Imitating what is good. The elder's simple advice — imitate good, not evil — ties right action to knowing God.
Key people
- The elder — The writer, traditionally the apostle John.
- Gaius — A beloved friend praised for his hospitality.
- Diotrephes — A domineering leader who refuses to welcome others.
- Demetrius — A believer with a good reputation, commended by the elder.
Key verses in 3 John
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.”
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
“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.”
How 3 John fits the big story
3 John shows the spread of the gospel described in Acts continuing through ordinary hospitality. It completes the trio of letters with 1 John and 2 John: where 2 John warns against welcoming false teachers, 3 John commends welcoming true ones. Its picture of humble service contrasts with self-promotion, a theme that runs from Paul to Peter in the New Testament letters. The next book, Jude, returns to the danger of false teachers.
How to read 3 John
At 1 chapter a day you can read 3 John in 1 day — in one sitting. Read 2 and 3 John together; they are two sides of the same question about whom to welcome.