Imagine receiving a personal letter from a trusted friend, filled with encouragement, warnings, and a call to live faithfully. The letter of 3 John is just that—a brief but powerful message that resonates with us today. Written by the Apostle John, this short epistle addresses Gaius, a faithful believer, and tackles issues in the early church. In this post,I will unpack the key themes of 3 John, outline its structure, and offer practical applications for our lives.
Though concise, 3 John reveals timeless truths about walking in truth, showing hospitality, and confronting challenges in the church.
Context and Background
The letter of 3 John is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, the same author of 1 and 2 John and the Gospel of John, based on its similar style and theological emphasis. Likely written in the late 1st century, the letter is addressed to Gaius, a beloved member of a Christian community, with references to two other figures: Diotrephes and Demetrius. The setting appears to be a church facing internal conflicts, particularly regarding the support of traveling missionaries and issues of authority.
John’s purpose in writing is multifaceted: to commend Gaius for his faithfulness, to warn against the disruptive behavior of Diotrephes, and to encourage continued support for missionaries spreading the gospel. Despite its brevity—only 14 verses—3 John holds significant value for understanding personal relationships, truth, and hospitality in the early church. It reminds us that even small acts of faithfulness can have a lasting impact.
Outline of Key Topics in 3 John
Greeting and Commendation (Verses 1-4)
The letter opens with John’s warm greeting to Gaius, whom he addresses with affection and describes as beloved. John expresses joy upon hearing that Gaius is “walking in the truth,” a phrase that underscores Gaius’ faithfulness to the gospel. This section highlights the importance of living a life aligned with God’s truth, a central theme of John’s writings. For John, truth is not merely intellectual assent but a way of life that reflects commitment to Christ.
Hospitality and Support for Missionaries (Verses 5-8)
John praises Gaius for his hospitality toward traveling Christian workers, likely itinerant missionaries spreading the gospel. Gaius has provided practical support, such as food and shelter, enabling these workers to continue their ministry. John urges Gaius to persist in this generosity, noting that supporting such workers makes believers “co-workers for the truth.” This section emphasizes the role of hospitality in advancing God’s kingdom and our shared responsibility to support gospel work.
Warning Against Diotrephes (Verses 9-10)
John then addresses a troubling issue: the behavior of Diotrephes, a church member who rejects John’s authority and refuses to welcome traveling missionaries. Diotrephes’ actions are driven by pride, as he seeks preeminence and even expels those who disagree with him. John promises to address this behavior directly if he visits, highlighting the dangers of pride and division in the church. This section serves as a caution against self-centered leadership that undermines the unity and mission of the Christian community.
Commendation of Demetrius (Verses 11-12)
In contrast to Diotrephes, John commends Demetrius, who has a good reputation among the church and is likely a missionary or leader. John encourages Gaius to “imitate what is good” rather than evil, presenting Demetrius as a godly example. This brief section underscores the value of positive role models in the Christian life and the importance of character in leadership.
Closing and Personal Note (Verses 13-14)
John concludes with a personal note, expressing his desire to visit Gaius in person rather than communicate only through letters. He sends greetings from mutual friends and blesses Gaius with peace. This closing reinforces the value of personal connection in the Christian community, reminding us that relationships are central to the life of the church.
Practical Applications for Today
The letter of 3 John, though written to a specific individual in a specific context, offers timeless lessons for us today. Here are five practical applications for living out its teachings:
Walking in Truth
John’s joy over Gaius’ faithfulness encourages us to prioritize studying and applying Scripture in daily life. We ought to live out biblical truth in our actions and decisions, not just understand it intellectually. We should foster accountability by engaging in Bible study groups or mentoring relationships to stay rooted in God’s truth.
Practicing Hospitality
Gaius’ support for missionaries challenges us to open our homes and resources to those in need, particularly those serving in ministry. We should consider hosting a missionary, supporting a local outreach, or providing practical help to church workers. We ought to cultivate a culture of generosity in our churches by organizing initiatives to support global or local missions.
Addressing Division
The example of Diotrephes serves as a warning against prideful or divisive behavior in the church. We should confront such issues with humility and grace, seeking reconciliation and unity. We ought to promote a shared focus on the gospel to prevent self-centeredness from fracturing our communities.
Imitating Godly Examples
Demetrius’ good reputation highlights the importance of seeking and becoming godly role models. We should identify mentors who reflect Christlike character and strive to emulate their faith and integrity. Likewise, we ought to inspire others by living with consistency and humility in our communities.
Building Personal Connections
John’s desire for a face-to-face visit underscores the value of personal relationships in the church. We should invest in meaningful interactions, whether through small groups, one-on-one discipleship, or sending encouraging notes. Building strong connections strengthens our churches’ witness and fosters mutual support.
Conclusion
The letter of 3 John, though only 14 verses long, is a rich and relevant message for us today. It calls us to walk in truth, practice hospitality, confront division, follow godly examples, and build personal connections. These timeless principles challenge us to live faithfully in our churches and communities. We should reflect on how we can apply these lessons—perhaps by supporting a missionary, fostering unity, or mentoring others. Let 3 John inspire us to love generously and strengthen the body of Christ.
If you would be interested in doing a verse by verse study of this letter, do let me know in the comments! Thanks 
Check out Andy‘s brand-new book… From Doubt to Disciples: Unlocking the Great Commission. Now available on Amazon 
From Doubt to Disciples: Unlocking the Great Commission
- Counting the Cost of Comfort (Matthew 8:19-20)
- A Determined Desire: Choosing a Life of Integrity (Psalm 101:2)
- A Heart Captivated: The Foundation of a Godly Life (Psalm 101:1)
- The Richness Within: Christ, Chorus and Christian Community (Colossians 3:16)
- The Sovereign’s Vow (Introduction to Psalm 101) 
Andy Brown 