3rd John, often referred to as III John, is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, yet it is packed with valuable insights into early Christian community life, leadership, and the importance of living in truth. Penned by “the Elder,” traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, this personal letter is addressed to Gaius, a beloved friend and fellow believer. Within its concise verses, 3rd John beautifully encapsulates themes of commendation, concern, and guidance that resonate even in contemporary times.
The letter opens with a warm personal greeting, emphasizing the Elder’s genuine affection for Gaius: “To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.” This immediately sets a tone of personal connection and shared faith. The Elder expresses his well wishes for Gaius’s physical and spiritual well-being, noting with joy the reports of Gaius’s faithfulness to the truth. This affirmation highlights a central theme of 3rd John: walking in truth. For early Christians, “truth” was not merely intellectual assent but a way of life rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Gaius is commended for embodying this truth in his daily conduct.
A significant portion of 3rd John focuses on hospitality, a crucial virtue in the early church, where traveling preachers and missionaries relied on the support of fellow believers. The Elder praises Gaius for his hospitality towards visiting brothers and sisters, even strangers. This act of welcoming and caring for those spreading the Gospel is presented as faithfulness in action and pleasing to God. “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.” This verse underscores the selfless nature of Christian hospitality, extending beyond personal acquaintances to embrace those working for the sake of the “Name,” referring to the name of Jesus Christ.
However, 3rd John also addresses a troubling situation within the church, personified by Diotrephes. In stark contrast to the commendable Gaius, Diotrephes is portrayed as a leader who “loves to be first” and refuses to welcome the Elder and his messengers. His actions extend beyond mere lack of hospitality to actively hindering those who wish to show hospitality and even excommunicating them from the church. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, self-seeking leadership, and the disruption it can cause within a community of faith. The Elder promises to address Diotrephes’s behavior upon his arrival, highlighting the importance of accountability and righteous leadership.
In contrast to Diotrephes, Demetrius is presented as an example of someone well-regarded by all, including “the truth itself.” This commendation serves to reinforce the importance of a good reputation and living in accordance with truth. Demetrius embodies the positive qualities that Diotrephes lacks, offering a model of faithful service and integrity.
The letter concludes with expressions of hope for a face-to-face meeting and peaceful greetings. The Elder reiterates his desire to communicate more directly but prefers to wait until he can speak in person. This ending underscores the personal nature of the letter and the value of direct fellowship among believers.
In summary, 3rd John, despite its brevity, offers a powerful message about the importance of truth, love, and hospitality within the Christian community. It contrasts the positive example of Gaius, who embodies these virtues, with the negative example of Diotrephes, who prioritizes personal ambition over genuine service and fellowship. The letter encourages believers to imitate what is good, walk in truth, and extend hospitality, thereby contributing to a healthy and thriving community of faith. 3rd John remains relevant today, reminding readers of the enduring importance of these core Christian values.
