Author
John the Apostle
Apostle
Written
c. 90–95 AD
Chapters
1
Audience
Gaius, a beloved Christian leader in a local church
Greeting and prayer for Gaius's health and spiritual well-being
Chapter 1Read in Bible
John's joy upon hearing of Gaius's faithfulness to the truth
Chapter 1 → Chapter 3Read in Bible
Commendation of Gaius for his hospitality toward traveling missionaries
Chapter 1 → Chapter 5Read in Bible
Condemnation of Diotrephes for his pride, slander, and rejection of apostolic authority
Chapter 1 → Chapter 9Read in Bible
Exhortation to imitate good rather than evil
Chapter 1 → Chapter 11Read in Bible
Commendation of Demetrius as a man of good reputation and truth
Chapter 1 → Chapter 12Read in Bible
Closing remarks, hope for a personal visit, and final greetings
Chapter 1 → Chapter 13Read in Bible
"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."
3 John 1:2"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
3 John 1:4"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."
3 John 1:11Third John is the shortest book in the New Testament, written by the Elder John to commend Gaius for his faithful hospitality toward traveling missionaries and to warn against the divisive, power-seeking behavior of Diotrephes. The letter highlights the importance of walking in truth, supporting gospel workers, and imitating what is good rather than evil.