3 John 1 - Summary

The elder writes to his beloved Gaius, praying that his physical prosperity would match his spiritual wellbeing, and expressing great joy at reports from traveling brethren concerning Gaius's faithful hospitality and his walking in the truth. In stark contrast stands Diotrephes, who loves preeminence, refuses to welcome the elder or the traveling missionaries, spreads malicious accusations, and excommunicates those who would show hospitality—demonstrating through his conduct that he has not seen God. The letter commends Demetrius as having a good testimony from everyone and from the truth itself, and closes with the elder's intention to visit soon rather than communicate through ink and pen.