1
From the elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2
Beloved, I pray that in all things you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
3
For I rejoiced greatly when some of the brothers came and testified of your truth, even as you walk in the truth.
4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth.
5
Beloved, you act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, and for strangers as well.
6
They have borne witness before the assembly to your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
7
For they went out for the sake of His name, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8
We therefore ought to receive such men, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
9
I wrote something to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the first place among them, does not receive us.
10
Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, speaking wicked words against us. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brothers, and those who would receive them he forbids and puts out of the assembly.
11
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God; but he who does evil has not seen God.
12
Demetrius has the witness of all men, and of the truth itself. Yes, we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true.
13
I had many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you with ink and pen.
14
But I hope to see you soon, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
📖 3 John 1 – An Example in Truth and Love
🧾 Summary of the Chapter
This letter was written by “the elder” (likely the Apostle John) to Gaius, a fellow believer known for his faithfulness and hospitality toward the messengers of the gospel. John commends Gaius, warns about Diotrephes, who loved to have authority and rejected apostolic oversight, and praises Demetrius as a good example.
📘 Chapter Explanation
| Section | Verses | Brief Content |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting and Prayer | 1–2 | John greets Gaius with love and prays that he may be well in body as he is well in soul. |
| Testimony Concerning Gaius’s Faithfulness | 3–8 | Gaius is praised for walking in the truth and receiving believers with kindness. He supports the ministry in practical ways. |
| Warning about Diotrephes | 9–10 | John rebukes Diotrephes, a proud church leader who refuses to receive John and even drives out those who support the Lord’s messengers. |
| Praise for Demetrius | 11–12 | John speaks of Demetrius as a man with a good report from all and from the truth itself. |
| Closing | 13–15 | John hopes to meet Gaius soon in person and ends the letter with brotherly greetings. |
🔥 Key Points
Practical service is visible love
Gaius is an example because of his hospitality toward the servants of God, even though they were strangers (vv. 5–6).
Spiritual health matters more than bodily health
John says, “I pray that you may be well and in health, even as your soul is well” (v. 2). This shows spiritual priority.
Beware of proud leaders
Diotrephes is an example of a church leader who rejects counsel, loves power, and divides the assembly (vv. 9–10).
The example of goodness spreads
John urges us to imitate what is good, not what is evil (v. 11). Demetrius is an example of a life worth following.
📖 Key Verses
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth.”
— 3 John 1:4
“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God; but he who does evil has not seen God.”
— 3 John 1:11
💡 Spiritual Meaning
This letter shows the importance of an active Christian life, not merely passive belief. Welcoming the servants of God, encouraging them, and caring for the community are true expressions of love. Also, the integrity of spiritual leaders is essential—and it must be tested by real actions, not by position alone.
