3 John 1
Jude is introduced as a servant of Jesus Christ, the brother of James, and begins with a short letter Jude wrote to the church. Jude prays that God’s mercy, peace, and love will increase more and more for those who have been called into faith, and he greets them. Even in this brief greeting, a warm blessing and words of exhortation for the faith community are revealed.
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.
The Reason for the Warning (Verses 3-4)
Jude originally intended to write about the common grace of salvation, but because of the problem of false teachers who have slipped into the church, he makes it clear that he must “earnestly” urge believers to stand firm on their faith. They turn God’s grace into license and are warned for denying Jesus Christ.
Judgment Seen Through Past Examples (Verses 5-7)
Jude mentions that the people of Israel were destroyed after the Exodus because of their unbelief, and he highlights that, just like the lessons from the fallen angels and Sodom and Gomorrah, God’s judgment in history should also make us watch out for those who leave the faith, become ruled by a life of immorality, or become arrogant.
Characteristics and Dangers of the False Teachers (Verses 8-16)
Jude says that the false teachers rely on dreams, despise authority, and carry out reckless speech and behavior beyond what is proper. Using examples of familiar biblical figures—“Michael the angel and the devil,” “Cain, Balaam, and Korah”—he warns how serious the outcome can be for those who follow the wrong path. They pursue only their own advantage and cause division and confusion in the community.
Exhortation to the Saints (Verses 17-23)
Jude reminds them of the apostles’ prophecies—that in the last days scoffers will appear. In such a situation, he urges believers to build themselves up in the faith, to pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and to remain in God’s love. He also asks for active love and care—showing mercy to those who waver and distinguishing those who are in crisis to help them.
Praise and Blessing (Verses 24-25)
The letter concludes with a doxology (a song of praise) that gives glory and honor to God. While acknowledging that God is the one who preserves and keeps everything faithfully, it prays that the community will be able to stand faithful to the very end.
Meditation Point
- Let’s think about why the faith we are keeping is precious, and how we should keep it.
- Let’s examine whether I have spiritual wisdom to discern truth from falsehood, and whether I have a heart of mercy toward my weak neighbors.
Apply It to Yourself
- What standard am I using today to stand in faith? If I have a wavering heart or thoughts, let me make the decision to hold on again within God’s love.
- Let my faith reach the weak with understanding and encouragement, and let me look to the neighbor who needs help and put it into action.
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This is the last chapter of 3 John.