3 John: Summary & Overview
Overview
Third John is the shortest book in the Bible — a personal letter praising Gaius for his hospitality and condemning Diotrephes for his selfishness. It's a snapshot of real church life: some people serve humbly, others seek power. John reminds us that truth and love should characterize our interactions.
Key Themes
- •Hospitality and generosity
- •The danger of self-seeking leadership
- •Walking in truth
- •Supporting those who serve
- •Good vs evil in the church
Famous Verses
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
— 3 John 1:4
“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God.”
— 3 John 1:11
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
— 3 John 1:2
“We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”
— 3 John 1:8
“Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers.”
— 3 John 1:5
Key Facts
- Testament
- New Testament
- Genre
- Epistle
- Author
- John
- Date Written
- ~85–95 AD
- Chapters
- 1
Related Books
Read 3 John in Context
3 John is part of our reading plans. Start reading through the Bible today.
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