3 John 1
John 3 John is a personal letter that the apostle John sends to a person named Gaius. In the opening, John calls himself a “presbyter,” refers to Gaius as “the one he loves,” and expresses respect and affection. He then prays that just as Gaius’s soul prospers, everything will go well for him and that he will be in good health. This shows John’s heart, which values not only spiritual well-being but also material and physical peace.
1verseThe elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2verseBeloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
3verseFor I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
4verseI have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
5verseBeloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
6verseThey 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,
7versebecause for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8verseWe therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9verseI wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.
10verseTherefore, 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.
11verseBeloved, 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.
12verseDemetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13verseI had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
14versebut 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.
Praise for Gaius (Verses 3–8)
In this part, John is glad to hear that Gaius is acting in the truth and has treated laypeople (or traveling missionaries) outside the church with kindness and love. In particular, verses 5–8 emphasize that the love with which he served brothers who came from the outside is a fitting act offered to God. This highlights the importance of a Christian’s practical love, hospitality, and attitude of living by the truth.
The Problem with Diotrephes (Verses 9–10)
John mentions Diotrephes, who is asserting himself within the church, and criticizes him for wanting “to be first,” despising the authority of the apostles, and even rejecting those who are trying to do good. This scene shows that even in the early church, issues of human ambition and division were always lurking.
A Good Example and a Bad Example (Verses 11–12)
John urges readers not to imitate evil but to imitate good. He emphasizes that the one who does good belongs to God. He also praises a person named Demetrius, recommending that his life and conduct align with the truth. This suggests that we should follow the person who becomes an example of faith.
Closing Remarks (Verses 13–15)
John ends by saying that although he would like to write a longer letter, he hopes to meet in person soon. In the final greeting, you can find expressions of peace and greetings from the friends, which also hints at the importance of personal relationships and fellowship.
Meditation Points
- Am I practicing love and hospitality in the community I belong to?
- Am I becoming a good example of faith that has a positive influence within the truth?
- If there is division or conflict in the church, how can it be overcome?
Put It into Practice for Yourself
- I check whether my words and actions are becoming spiritual comfort and strength for someone.
- I reflect on whether my attitude toward the truth and practical love are in balance in my life.
- I consider whether I live with humility in fellowship with others and make an effort to avoid disputes.
This is the last chapter of 3 John.