The Book of 3rd John

3rd John Outline

Chapters & Genres

The third epistle of John is a short but powerful letter that was written by the apostle John to a man named Gaius. In this letter, John expresses his deep love and concern for Gaius, and encourages him to continue in his faith and hospitality towards other believers.

The epistle of 3 John is a personal letter, in which John addresses Gaius directly. It is believed that Gaius was a leader in the early Christian church, and that he may have been a member of the church at Ephesus. John expresses his gratitude for Gaius's hospitality towards other believers, and commends him for his faithfulness in the face of opposition from a man named Diotrephes.

The main theme of 3 John is hospitality. John encourages Gaius to continue in his practice of welcoming other believers into his home, and warns against those who would seek to hinder this practice. John also uses this letter to highlight the importance of supporting and encouraging other believers in their faith.

In the beginning of the letter, John writes, "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, NIV). This opening statement sets the tone for the rest of the letter, which is filled with expressions of love and concern for Gaius.

John goes on to commend Gaius for his hospitality towards other believers, writing, "Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you" (3 John 1:5, NIV). He encourages Gaius to continue in this practice, and promises that he will be rewarded for his faithful service.

However, John also warns Gaius about a man named Diotrephes, who is hindering the work of the church and opposing those who seek to show hospitality towards other believers. John writes, "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. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church" (3 John 1:9-10, NIV).

In contrast to Diotrephes, John commends a man named Demetrius, who is a faithful follower of Christ and has a good reputation among other believers. John writes, "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" (3 John 1:12, NIV).

Throughout the letter, John emphasizes the importance of supporting and encouraging other believers in their faith. He writes, "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 1:11, NIV). John also encourages Gaius to support those who are traveling and preaching the gospel, writing, "We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth" (3 John 1:8, NIV).

In conclusion, the third epistle of John is a powerful reminder of the importance of hospitality and supporting other believers in their faith. John's love and concern for Gaius is evident throughout the letter, and his warnings about those who would seek to hinder the work of the church are timely and relevant today. As we seek to follow Christ and spread the gospel, may we always remember the example of Gaius and strive to be hospitable and encouraging towards other believers.