Bible Book: III John

Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.

Author: John

Type of Book: Epistle

Outline
Christian Greetings (1:1)
John Commends Gaius (1:2-8)
For His Spiritual Health (1:2)
For His Devotion to the Truth (1:3-4)
For His Hospitality to Godly Messengers (1:5-8)
John Counsels Gaius (1:9-12)
Concerning the Bad Example of Diotrephes (1:9-11)
Concerning the Good Example of Demetrius (1:12)
Conclusion (1:13-14)

Theme: Devotion to God’s Truth and Hospitality to His Messengers

Date of Writing: A.D. 85-95

Background
John, one of the original apostles (i.e., those personally authorized and empowered by Christ to deliver his original message and help establish the NT church), again identifies himself by the title of “the elder” (v. 1; see the introduction to 2 John). This personal letter is addressed to a loyal follower of Christ named Gaius (v. 1), who was likely a member of one of the church communities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). As with John’s other letters, 3 John was most likely written from Ephesus in the late 80s or early 90s of the first century. (For further background on John, see introductions to John’s Gospel and 1 John.)
Toward the end of the first century, itinerant ministers (i.e., ones who traveled from city to city) were commonly supported by believers who welcomed them into their homes and helped them on their way with material and financial support (vv. 5-8; cf. 2Jn 1:10). Gaius was one of many faithful Christians who graciously hosted and supported trustworthy traveling ministers (vv. 1-8). However, a leader named Diotrephes arrogantly resisted John’s authority and refused to receive messengers whom John had sent.

Purpose
John wrote to (1) commend Gaius for his gracious hospitality (i.e., welcome, friendliness, kindness, generosity) and faithful support of trustworthy traveling ministers, (2) indirectly warn the rebellious and prideful leader, Diotrephes, and (3) prepare the way for his own personal visit.

Survey
Three men are mentioned by name in 3 John. (1) Gaius is warmly commended for his faithfulness to God and devotion to the truth (vv. 3-4) and his exemplary hospitality to godly messengers (vv. 5-8). (2) Diotrephes, an arrogant and selfish leader, is denounced for his pride (“loves to be first,” v. 9). He had rejected a previous letter from John (v. 9), personally slandered John and refused to receive John’s messengers. He even threatened to excommunicate (i.e., expel from the church) those who welcomed and accommodated the messengers (v. 10). (3) Demetrius, perhaps the one who delivered this letter or a pastor in a nearby community, is commended as a man of good reputation and of loyalty to the truth (v. 12).

Special Features
Two major features characterize this letter. (1) Though brief, it provides insight into several important facets of early church history toward the end of the first century. (2) There are remarkable similarities between 3 John and 2 John. Still, the two letters differ in one important aspect: 3 John encourages believers to offer hospitality and support for trustworthy traveling ministers, while 2 John urges believers not to welcome or support untrustworthy ministers. His aim is that believers will not mistakenly promote false or destructive ministry, but rather share in the work of those who spread the true message of Christ.
   
Giving credit where credit is due.  These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible.  Don Stamps, editor.  Originally published by Life Publishers.