Book of 3 John

3 John, written by John (the Apostle)

New Testamentepistle Audio available1 Chapters14 verses

Third John is a personal letter from the elder to Gaius, commending his hospitality to traveling missionaries. John contrasts Gaius with Diotrephes, who refused to receive the brothers and expelled those who did. The letter emphasizes faithful service and proper leadership.

Chapters in 3 John

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Outline of 3 John

1-4Greeting

Joy over Gaius walking in truth.

5-8Gaius's Hospitality

Commendation for receiving traveling workers.

9-10Diotrephes's Pride

Criticism of his love of preeminence.

11-12Demetrius's Example

Good testimony of Demetrius.

13-14Closing

Hope to visit, greetings.

Key Themes in 3 John

Christian Hospitality

Believers should support traveling ministers.

Godly Leadership

Leaders should serve, not seek preeminence.

Key Verses in 3 John

3JN 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Joy of faithful disciples.

3JN 1:11

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

Call to imitate good.

Characters in 3 John

John

Elder guiding church relationships

Gaius

Faithful believer showing hospitality

Diotrephes

Proud leader refusing traveling ministers

Locations in 3 John

Asia Minor

Region of churches John addressed

Christ in 3 John

Walking in Truth

Followers of Christ walk in His truth.

3JN 1:3-4

Frequently Asked Questions

What was wrong with Diotrephes?+

Bible Bites

The shortest New Testament book

3 John contains only 13 verses, making it the shortest book in the New Testament by verse count. This brief personal letter to Gaius addresses church hospitality and warns against the proud Diotrephes who refused to welcome traveling teachers.

3 John