3 John 1

The letter shows how walking in truth takes shape in hospitality, while exposing leadership that blocks such love.

The elder writes to Gaius after receiving reports of his faithfulness and his welcome for traveling Christian workers. He praises Gaius for helping believers who were strangers to him and urges continued support worthy of God. The letter also addresses Diotrephes, who rejects the elder’s authority and expels people who welcome the brothers. The elder commends Demetrius and hopes to visit Gaius soon, so that they can speak face to face.

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1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.

5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

6They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,

7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

9I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.

10Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.

11Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.

12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

14but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

World English BibleRead in NIV in Psalmlog →Highlighted verses are the most connected.

Key verses

3 John 1:11The command to imitate good frames Gaius’s choice of examples amid Diotrephes’s misconduct and Demetrius’s good reputation.

3 John 1:3The brothers’ report joins truth with conduct, showing why Gaius’s faithfulness brings the elder such joy.

3 John 1:5Gaius’s care for unfamiliar believers is named faithful work, making hospitality central to the letter’s concern.

Where this chapter reaches

Acts shares the pattern of believers receiving traveling gospel workers and helping them continue their work, while 1 Peter also calls for hospitality among believers. The link with 1 John is the shared teaching that conduct reveals a person’s relationship with God.

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Notice

After reading the whole chapter

What stands out to you about the link between walking in truth and welcoming strangers?

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How does the contrast between Gaius and Diotrephes shape your understanding of influence within a church?

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Questions people ask about 3 John 1

Who wrote 3 John, and who was Gaius?

The writer calls himself the elder and addresses Gaius as someone he loves in truth. Christian tradition identifies the author as the apostle John, though the letter does not name him. Gaius is a believer known for walking in truth and supporting visiting Christian workers; further biographical details are absent.

Who was Diotrephes in 3 John?

Diotrephes was an influential figure in the assembly who wanted first place. He rejected the elder’s message, made wicked accusations, refused to receive the brothers, and expelled people who wanted to welcome them. The letter does not give his formal title or explain the dispute beyond these actions.

Does 3 John 1:2 promise health and wealth?

Verse 2 records the elder’s prayer for Gaius’s well-being and health, alongside his soul’s prosperity. Its wording expresses a personal wish in a letter; it makes no universal promise that believers will become healthy or wealthy. The following verses focus on Gaius’s faithfulness, love, and support for Christian workers.

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3 John · 1 chapter

Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).