The brief yet impactful letter of 3 John opens with a personal touch, immediately drawing the reader into a message of commendation, concern, and guidance. Verse 1, 3 John 1, sets the tone for the entire epistle: “The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.” This simple greeting is rich with meaning and provides a foundation for understanding the subsequent verses.
The author identifies himself merely as “the elder,” a term traditionally understood to refer to the Apostle John, writer of the Gospel of John and 1 and 2 John. This designation speaks to his respected position of leadership and spiritual authority within the early church. He addresses his recipient as “Gaius,” a common name in the New Testament era, signifying a personal and intimate relationship. The phrase “dear friend” further emphasizes this bond, highlighting the affection and care the elder holds for Gaius.
However, the most crucial part of 3 John 1 lies in the phrase “whom I love in the truth.” This is not simply a casual expression of fondness; it is a profound statement about the basis of their relationship. The love expressed here is rooted in shared faith and adherence to the truth of the Gospel. In Johannine literature, “truth” is a central theme, representing the authentic teachings of Jesus Christ and the way of life that flows from them. To love “in the truth” means that their connection is not based on superficial grounds but on a deep, shared commitment to Christian principles and values.
This opening verse, 3 John 1, serves multiple purposes. It establishes the author’s authority and personal connection to Gaius. More importantly, it immediately introduces the overarching theme of “truth” that permeates the entire letter. The elder’s love for Gaius is inseparable from their shared commitment to this truth, setting the stage for the commendation and exhortation that follow. The letter unfolds as a testament to living and walking in this truth, and 3 John 1 acts as the perfect introduction to this vital message.
As the letter progresses beyond 3 John 1, the elder elaborates on why he loves Gaius “in the truth.” Verses 2-4 express his joy in hearing about Gaius’s spiritual well-being and his faithfulness to the truth. “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 2) reveals the elder’s genuine care for Gaius’s holistic welfare, both physical and spiritual. This concern is directly linked to Gaius’s spiritual condition, suggesting a priority on spiritual health as the foundation for overall well-being.
The commendation continues in verse 3 and 4: “It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Here, the elder’s joy is not based on hearsay but on the direct testimony of fellow believers who have witnessed Gaius’s faithfulness. The phrase “walking in the truth” is a recurring motif, emphasizing the practical application of truth in daily life, not just intellectual assent. The term “my children” reflects the elder’s spiritual fatherhood and his deep investment in the spiritual growth of those under his care, further highlighting the significance of faithfulness to the truth within their community.
Verses 5-8 shift focus to a specific aspect of Gaius’s faithfulness: his hospitality. “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God.” Gaius is commended for his generous hospitality towards traveling Christians, even those he did not personally know. This act of hospitality is seen as a demonstration of “love” and “faithfulness,” and it is explicitly linked to honoring God. The elder encourages Gaius to continue this practice, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who are spreading the Gospel, “for the sake of the Name.”
However, the letter also addresses a contrasting situation in verses 9-10, introducing Diotrephes, a leader within the church who embodies the opposite of Gaius’s virtues. “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers.” Diotrephes is criticized for his pride, his refusal to welcome fellow believers, and his slanderous speech. This stark contrast between Gaius and Diotrephes serves to underscore the importance of humility, hospitality, and truthfulness in Christian leadership.
In verses 11-12, the elder provides clear guidance: “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. Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.” Gaius is exhorted to emulate good, not evil, and Demetrius is presented as a positive example, lauded for his good reputation and alignment with the truth. This reinforces the practical implications of living “in the truth” and the importance of choosing righteous examples to follow.
The letter concludes with personal remarks and greetings in verses 13-15. “I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.” The desire for a personal meeting highlights the importance of face-to-face fellowship in resolving issues and strengthening relationships. The final blessing of “peace” and the exchange of greetings further emphasize the communal and relational aspects of Christian faith.
In conclusion, 3 John, beginning with the foundational statement of 3 John 1, is a powerful and concise letter that emphasizes the importance of truth, love, and hospitality within the Christian community. 3 John 1‘s introduction, “whom I love in the truth,” sets the stage for a message that commends faithfulness, addresses challenges, and encourages believers to walk consistently in the truth of the Gospel. The contrasting examples of Gaius and Diotrephes provide practical lessons on Christian living and leadership, making 3 John a timeless guide for believers seeking to live out their faith authentically.
