3 JOHN

Welcome the Workers of the Truth

Ask the Apostle John

Ask about Gaius, Diotrephes, or showing hospitality.

A Cinematic Introduction

Third John is a short, personal, and practical letter that serves as the perfect companion piece to 2 John. While 2 John warns a church *not* to show hospitality to false teachers, 3 John commends a man for doing the exact opposite: showing generous hospitality to *true* teachers of the gospel. Writing again as "the elder," the Apostle John addresses his "dear friend Gaius," a believer whom he clearly loves and respects. The letter tackles a practical problem in the early church: how to support traveling missionaries. It contrasts the faithful, welcoming example of Gaius with the arrogant, hostile behavior of a prideful church leader named Diotrephes. The letter is a powerful encouragement to "work together for the truth" by practically supporting those who are proclaiming the Gospel.

Part I

Commendation for Gaius

An Example of Faithful Hospitality (v. 1-8)

Walking in the Truth

John begins with warm affection, praying that Gaius would enjoy good health and that all would go well with him, even as his soul is "getting along well." John expresses his great joy at hearing reports that Gaius is "walking in the truth." For John, walking in the truth is not just believing the right doctrines; it's living them out.

The specific way Gaius was walking in the truth was by showing hospitality to traveling Christian missionaries, whom John calls "the brothers." These missionaries were going out "for the sake of the Name," and they were refusing to accept any financial support from pagans. This meant they were completely dependent on the generosity of fellow believers. Gaius had opened his home to them and supported them on their way. John commends this action, stating:

✨ “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”

— 3 John 1:8

By supporting the messengers, Gaius was becoming a coworker in their mission.

Part II

Condemnation of Diotrephes

An Example of Prideful Opposition (v. 9-11)

The Man Who "Loves to be First"

John then pivots to address a serious problem. He contrasts Gaius's humble service with the arrogant behavior of another man in the church, Diotrephes, "who loves to be first." This man's pride was causing division and hindering the work of the gospel. His sins were threefold:

He rejected apostolic authority: He refused to welcome or listen to John and the missionaries he sent.
He slandered John: He was "gossiping maliciously" about the apostle.
He was a church tyrant: He not only refused to welcome the missionaries himself, but he was also excommunicating ("putting out of the church") any members who did show them hospitality.

Diotrephes is a timeless portrait of a prideful, power-hungry leader who sees ministry as a platform for his own ego rather than a partnership for the truth.

Do Not Imitate Evil

John gives Gaius a direct command: "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good" (v. 11). He urges Gaius not to follow the evil example of Diotrephes. Instead, he points to a third man, Demetrius, as a model to be followed. Demetrius is "well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself." John affirms that the church's testimony about Demetrius is true. The message is clear: follow the example of humble servants like Gaius and Demetrius, not power-hungry leaders like Diotrephes.

Conclusion: Partnership in the Gospel

Like 2 John, this letter ends with John expressing his desire to speak with Gaius face-to-face. Third John provides a vital, practical lesson for the church. The work of the gospel is a team effort. Not everyone is called to be a traveling missionary or a preacher, but everyone is called to "work together for the truth." One of the primary ways we do this is by offering practical, financial, and prayerful support to those who are on the front lines of gospel ministry. Gaius is a hero of the faith, not because he was a great preacher, but because he was a great host. His simple, faithful hospitality made him a partner in the great commission. The letter challenges us to ask: how are we using our resources to support and welcome the messengers of the truth today?