3 John 1

The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.

Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

They 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,

because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.

Therefore, 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.

Beloved, 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.

Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

but 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.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter is a personal letter from the apostle John to a faithful believer named Gaius, commending him for his hospitality and steadfastness in the truth, while contrasting his conduct with the pride and disobedience of a man named Diotrephes. The letter underscores the importance of supporting gospel workers, maintaining fellowship in truth and love, and rejecting those who exalt themselves over the community of faith. As the final chapter of the book, it personalizes the theological concerns of walking in truth and love, which run throughout the Johannine letters.

Flow.

John opens with affectionate greetings and joy at reports of Gaius’s fidelity to the truth.
He commends Gaius’s practical love in hosting traveling missionaries, essential to advancing the gospel.
He condemns Diotrephes for his pride, refusal of apostolic authority, and expulsion of faithful believers.
The letter closes by affirming Demetrius’s good testimony, expressing a desire for personal fellowship, and extending peace.

Connections.
Following chapter 2 of 2 John, where the author warns against receiving false teachers in the name of hospitality, this chapter clarifies the distinction: hospitality must be shown selectively—to those who belong to the truth. It reinforces the need for discernment in fellowship, a practical outworking of the command to "walk in truth" (cf. 2 Jn 4). Where 2 John warns of doctrinal compromise through false teachers, 3 John illustrates the personal and ecclesial consequences of pride and rebellion, preparing for the closing exhortation to follow what is good and reject what is contrary to God’s order. Though this is the final chapter of 3 John, its emphasis on fellowship, truth, and godly leadership resonates with the pastoral concerns found in the close of the Johannine corpus.

What it teaches.
Faithful obedience is evidenced not only in sound doctrine but in practical love and hospitality toward fellow believers, especially those proclaiming the gospel (WCF 26.1). The church is to support those who labor for the sake of Christ’s name, becoming co-workers in truth (HC LD 31). Submission to apostolic teaching and the rejection of self-exaltation are required by the order God has given to His church (; cf. WCF 31.2). Diotrephes’s behavior exemplifies departing from love and truth, while Demetrius’s good confession reflects the mark of one who walks with God (WCF 18.1). True fellowship is preserved by imitating what is good, for those who do evil "have not seen God" (; cf. WCF 17.3).

Apply.
Support gospel workers with tangible hospitality, recognizing their labor as part of the church’s shared mission.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.