3 John is a brief and personal letter addressing hospitality, leadership, and faithfulness within the church. John commends Gaius for supporting traveling Christian workers and confronts Diotrephes for rejecting apostolic authority and refusing to welcome believers. The letter highlights the importance of living in the truth, practicing genuine hospitality, and imitating what is good.
Background
Author: The Apostle John
Audience: Gaius, a respected believer
Date: AD 85–95
Location Written: Likely Ephesus
Context: Traveling teachers relied on the hospitality of local believers as they spread the gospel. However, Diotrephes, a prideful leader, refused to receive them and opposed John’s authority. John writes to encourage Gaius, to warn against destructive behavior in the church, and to uphold the value of supporting faithful gospel workers.
Characters
- John — author urging support for faithful workers and warning about prideful leadership
- Gaius — faithful believer known for hospitality and walking in the truth
- Diotrephes — domineering leader rejecting authority and refusing hospitality
- Demetrius — well spoken of believer held up as an example to follow
- Traveling Brothers — itinerant missionaries needing support and care
Major Events
- John praises Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality (verses 1–8)
- John condemns Diotrephes for rejecting authority and mistreating believers (verses 9–10)
- John commends Demetrius as a model of integrity (verse 12)
- John expresses desire for an in person visit and closes with greetings (verses 13–14)
Application & Life Lessons
- Hospitality is a powerful expression of truth and love
- Supporting faithful workers advances the gospel
- Prideful and controlling leadership harms the church
- Believers should imitate what is good, not what is evil
- A good reputation matters and reflects godly character
- Faithfulness is demonstrated through both belief and action
- Fellowship and personal presence strengthen the church
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of 1-3 John
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of 2 & 3 John and Jude
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