3 John

A short letter originally written on a single sheet of parchment.

Written by the Apostle John from Ephesus to a leader in one of the group of churches in Asia (modern Turkey) for which John had responsibility.

The coded language of the letter was a necessary precaution in a time when persecution of Christians was rising.

Verse eleven tells Gaius to follow good examples and not bad ones. The characters in this letter provide a good starting point for us to do the same.

The Characters

The Elder

The same person wrote 2 John
  • loves (v1)
  • prays (v2)
  • rejoices (vv3-4)
  • cares about his converts (v4)
  • writes (v9)
  • warns (v11)
  • prefers to speak face to face (vv13-14)

Gaius

A common New Testament name
  • beloved (v2)
  • prospers spiritually (v2)
  • walks in truth (vv3-4)
  • helps the brothers (vv5ff)

Travelling brothers

  • bear witness (v6)
  • went out for Christ (v7)
  • no support from the ungodly (v7)

Diotrephes

  • loves to be first (v9)
  • does bad deeds (v10)
  • slanders (v10)
  • inhospitable (v10)
  • excommunicates the hospitable (v10)

Demetrius

has a good testimony from:
  • people (v12)
  • doctrine (v12)
  • John and his companions (v12)

Key Verse

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. (3 John 11)

Outline

(v1) Salutation
(vv2-4) Gaius doing well spiritually
(vv5-8) Gaius faithful support for travelling brothers
(vv9-10) Beware of Diotrephes
(v11) Follow good examples
(v12) Welcome Demetrius
(vv13-14) Greetings

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