Chapter 1
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
7Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”
Overview
The elder writes to his beloved Gaius, commending him for walking in the truth and for his faithful hospitality to travelling brethren and strangers. He contrasts Gaius with Diotrephes, who loves preeminence, refuses to receive the brethren, and casts out those who do. He also commends Demetrius, who has a good report from all men and from the truth itself, and exhorts Gaius to imitate what is good.
Key Themes
Faithfulness in Hospitality
Gaius is commended for his faithful support of travelling ministers, sending them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
The Danger of Self-Exaltation
Diotrephes loves to have the preeminence and refuses apostolic authority — his pride leads him to reject brethren and cast out those who welcome them.
Imitating Good, Not Evil
Believers are to follow that which is good, for he that does good is of God, but he that does evil has not seen God.
Study Questions
What does John's joy that Gaius walks in truth (v. 4) reveal about what matters most to a spiritual father?
How does the hospitality shown to travelling ministers (vv. 5-8) apply to supporting gospel work today?
What is dangerous about Diotrephes' love of 'the preeminence' (v. 9), and how can leaders guard against it?
Why does John say 'he that doeth evil hath not seen God' (v. 11), and what does this tell us about the relationship between character and faith?
What does Demetrius' good testimony 'of the truth itself' (v. 12) teach about the kind of reputation believers should cultivate?
Connection to Christ
Christ is the truth in which Gaius walks and the standard by which all conduct is measured. The hospitality shown to those who go forth 'for his name's sake' (v. 7) is service rendered to Christ Himself, and imitating good reflects the character of God.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through 3 John 1. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?
3 John
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