A notable verse from 3 John is verse 11:
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and morally upright life, distinguishing between those who follow God’s ways and those who do not. It encourages believers to emulate goodness and avoid evil, reflecting their relationship with God.
The Book of 3 John (PDF download)
An Overview
The Third Epistle of John, often referred to simply as 3 John, is a letter found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Here’s an introduction to the Book of 3 John:
- Authorship: The author identifies himself as “the elder” (3 John 1:1), and while he does not explicitly identify himself as John, the apostle, early church tradition attributes the letter to John, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, who also authored the Gospel of John and the First and Second Epistles of John.
- Date and Context: The exact date of the composition of 3 John is uncertain, but it was likely written toward the end of the first century, between AD 70 and AD 100. The letter addresses concerns within the Christian community and emphasizes the importance of hospitality, support for traveling missionaries, and the defense against false teachers.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of 3 John is to commend Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries and to condemn Diotrephes for his pride and refusal to welcome the brethren. The letter emphasizes the importance of hospitality, love, and support for those who labor in the service of the gospel.
Themes
- Hospitality and Support: 3 John highlights the importance of hospitality and support for traveling missionaries and ministers of the gospel. The letter commends Gaius for his hospitality and generosity toward the brethren and encourages believers to imitate his example of love and hospitality.
- Unity and Cooperation: The letter emphasizes the need for unity and cooperation within the Christian community. It condemns the divisive actions of Diotrephes, who rejects the authority of the apostolic leaders and refuses to welcome the brethren. It encourages believers to promote peace and unity in the body of Christ.
- Faithfulness and Diligence: 3 John commends those who remain faithful to the truth of the gospel and diligent in their service to God. It encourages believers to persevere in their faithfulness and to continue to support the work of the gospel, even in the face of opposition and resistance.
- Discernment and Accountability: The letter warns against false teachers and leaders who seek to exert control and authority over the Christian community. It calls believers to exercise discernment and accountability in their relationships and to reject those who promote division and discord.
- Reward and Consequences: 3 John emphasizes the rewards of faithful service and hospitality and the consequences of pride, arrogance, and disobedience. It assures believers that God sees and rewards those who faithfully serve Him and warns against the judgment that awaits those who oppose the truth.
Structure
The Book of 3 John is structured as a letter from the elder to Gaius, with a focus on commendation, condemnation, and exhortation. It includes:
- Greeting and Salutation (3 John 1:1-2)
- Commendation of Gaius (3 John 1:3-8)
- Condemnation of Diotrephes (3 John 1:9-10)
- Commendation of Demetrius (3 John 1:11-12)
- Final Greetings and Farewell (3 John 1:13-14)
In summary, the Book of 3 John is a personal and pastoral letter that emphasizes the importance of hospitality, love, and support within the Christian community. It encourages believers to imitate the example of Gaius, who faithfully supports the work of the gospel, and to reject the divisive actions of those like Diotrephes who seek to undermine the unity and peace of the body of Christ.