What are some lessons from the Book of 3 John?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

John wrote 3 John to a man named Gaius (3 John 1). The New Testament mentions others Named "Gaius" (i.e., Acts 19:29; Romans 16:23), but as it was a common name, it's uncertain whether John was writing to the same person as was mentioned in those other passages.

John thanked Gaius for the hospitality he had shown traveling pastors (3 John 5–6) and encouraged him to continue (vv 8). He wrote this because Diotrephes, a man who had taken a leading role in the church (v 9), had rejected John’s authority and his missionaries (vv 9–10b), and had kicked people out of the church for helping them (v 10c). John indicated that he would personally deal with Diotrephes (v 10a). Notably, John never calls him “antichrist” (cf. 1 John 2:18–22; 2 John 7), suggesting he was a sinning brother rather than an enemy of the faith.

With the letter, John was sending Demetrius, a highly regarded man (3 John 12), to ask Gaius to extend the same hospitality he had shown to the others, not imitating Diotrephes’ evil behavior (v 11). This letter shows the importance of supporting gospel workers and guarding against pride within the church.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The book of 3 John is not found in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Scholars believe the letter to 3 John was most likely written around the same time as 1 and 2 John, around AD 85–95, perhaps even being all sent together. In this letter, John was writing to a man named Gaius (3 John 1). Others in the New Testament have the same name (Acts 19:29; 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14), but there is not enough information in 3 John to connect John's recipient to one of them. Since “Gaius” was such a common name, it may be an entirely different person.
• John begins by thanking Gaius for supporting the traveling pastors he had sent (3 John 5–8). Apparently, they had reported back to John what Gaius had done (vv 3, 6a), which pleased John (vv 3–4).
• John contrasts Gaius’ faithfulness with that of another man in the church, Diotrephes. Not only had John heard about Gaius’ help, but he also heard about Diotrephes’ rejection of the same men (3 John 10b). Worse still, Diotrephes has been putting others out of the church if they helped (v 10c). In so doing, he was directly opposing the apostle John’s authority (v 9).
• Because of this, Gaius and others must have been intimidated about helping others. This is why, as John sent the well-respected and faithful pastor Demetrius (3 John 12), he reminded Gaius to “not imitate evil but imitate good” (v 11). That is, to continue to show hospitality despite Diotrephes’s pressure.
• John indicated his plans to personally visit and confront Diotrephes (3 John 10a, 14). But though John was displeased with Diotrephes, he did not label him antichrist nor tell Gaius to avoid his teaching, unlike in his other letters (cf. 1 John 2:18–22; 2 John 7). This implies that John viewed him as a greatly sinning brother as opposed to an enemy of the faith.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Jonathan Edwards noted that Gospel proclamation has two sides: those who go down the well to preach and those who hold the rope. What he meant was that missionaries (those who go in) need support. Since all believers are called to make disciples (Matthew 28:19), we should all find ourselves on either end of that rope.

The apostle John was commending Gaius for holding the rope by being hospitable. In his day, hotels were scarce, and most public accommodations were centers of immorality. In that context, being hospitable meant giving a safe place from which they could minister.

Today, hospitality may look different. While some missionaries do need it while in the field, it is often expressed when a missionary comes off the field to rest. Since their life, home, and finances are tied up in another country, taking a break can be hard. Having people willing to care for them away from the field is a way of supporting them.

If you are a believer, are you helping the gospel to spread? Your local church should be your priority for your resources to help your pastor (1 Timothy 5:17). Your church may also already be helping missionaries, so giving your resources there helps them continue that support. Once you are helping your local church, consider whether God has given you a heart for a particular mission. You may consider supporting them financially or prayerfully. You might also see whether you can join them as a volunteer or, if God is calling you, as a full-time missionary. Regardless of how you “hold the rope,” be certain that the ultimate work being done is the proclamation of the gospel, as true missions involve teaching people to know and be like Jesus.

UNDERSTAND

• The book of 3 John shows the importance of supporting those who faithfully preach and teach the gospel.
• The letter contrasts faithful believers like Gaius and Demetrius with the prideful and divisive behavior of Diotrephes.
• Believers are called to imitate what is good and resist the influence of pride and selfish ambition within the church.

REFLECT

• How can you actively support those who are faithfully serving in gospel ministry?
• How do you guard against allowing your pride or desire for influence create conflict within your church family?
• What does it look like in your life to “imitate what is good” rather than following harmful examples?

ENGAGE

• How does 3 John illustrate the importance of hospitality and practical support for gospel workers in the early church?
• What leadership failures are revealed in the behavior of Diotrephes, and how should churches guard against them today?
• How can modern believers encourage and affirm faithful servants of Christ the way John commended Gaius and Demetrius?