3 John 1

Chapter Summary

In 3 John 1, the apostle John writes to his dear friend Gaius, commending him for his faithfulness and hospitality towards traveling missionaries. John expresses his joy in hearing about Gaius's commitment to the truth and encourages him to continue walking in the truth. He also warns Gaius about the actions of Diotrephes, who has been rejecting the authority of the apostles and refusing to show hospitality to fellow believers. John encourages Gaius to imitate what is good and to support Demetrius, who has a good testimony from everyone. The chapter concludes with John's expression of love for Gaius and his desire to visit him soon.

Context for the Chapter

The first chapter of 3 John is part of a larger collection of letters written by the apostle John to the early Christian church. The chapter is addressed to Gaius, a believer who is commended for his faithfulness and hospitality. The letter is likely written in the late 1st century AD, during a time of persecution and challenge for the early church. The chapter serves as a reminder to believers to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and to support one another in their walk with God.

Heart Application

As believers, we are called to walk in the truth and to demonstrate faithfulness to the teachings of Christ. We are also called to show hospitality and kindness towards fellow believers, especially those who are traveling and in need of support. May we be like Gaius, who was commended for his faithfulness and hospitality, and may we strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

The first chapter of 3 John is a letter from the apostle John to his friend Gaius, commending him for his faithfulness and hospitality. John encourages Gaius to continue walking in the truth and to support fellow believers. The chapter serves as a reminder to believers to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and to show kindness and generosity towards one another, as seen in 3 John 1:4 and 3 John 1:5.

Voices from the Church

“The apostle John's emphasis on faithfulness and hospitality serves as a reminder to believers to remain committed to the teachings of Christ and to support one another in their walk with God.”

— John Calvin

“The power of love and affection in the relationships between believers is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction and Greeting (3 John 1:1-2) — The apostle John introduces himself and greets Gaius, expressing his love for him.
2. Commendation for Faithfulness (3 John 1:3-4) — John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality towards fellow believers.
3. Warning against Diotrephes (3 John 1:9-10) — John warns Gaius about the actions of Diotrephes, who has been rejecting the authority of the apostles and refusing to show hospitality to fellow believers.
4. Encouragement to Imitate What is Good (3 John 1:11) — John encourages Gaius to imitate what is good and to support Demetrius, who has a good testimony from everyone.
5. Conclusion and Final Greetings (3 John 1:13-14) — John concludes the letter by expressing his love for Gaius and his desire to visit him soon.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Faithfulness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Christ and demonstrating loyalty to the apostles and the church.

The Power of Love and Affection

The chapter highlights the power of love and affection in the relationships between believers.

The Dangers of Pride

The actions of Diotrephes serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and the rejection of authority.

The Importance of Hospitality

The chapter emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and generosity towards fellow believers, especially those who are traveling and in need of support.

Lessons from 3 John 1

1. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Christ and demonstrating loyalty to the apostles and the church.
2. The Power of Love and Affection — The chapter highlights the power of love and affection in the relationships between believers.
3. The Dangers of Pride — The actions of Diotrephes serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and the rejection of authority.
4. The Importance of Hospitality — The chapter emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and generosity towards fellow believers, especially those who are traveling and in need of support.
5. The Importance of Imitating What is Good — John encourages Gaius to imitate what is good and to support Demetrius, who has a good testimony from everyone.

Themes from 3 John 1

1. Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Christ and demonstrating loyalty to the apostles and the church.
2. Love and Affection — The chapter highlights the power of love and affection in the relationships between believers.
3. Pride and Rejection of Authority — The actions of Diotrephes serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and the rejection of authority.
4. Hospitality and Kindness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and generosity towards fellow believers, especially those who are traveling and in need of support.
5. Imitating What is Good — John encourages Gaius to imitate what is good and to support Demetrius, who has a good testimony from everyone.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does it mean to walk in the truth, and how can we demonstrate faithfulness to the teachings of Christ in our daily lives?
2. How can we show hospitality and kindness towards fellow believers, especially those who are traveling and in need of support?
3. What are the dangers of pride, and how can we avoid rejecting the authority of the apostles and the church?
4. How can we imitate what is good and support one another in our walk with God?
5. What is the importance of love and affection in the relationships between believers, and how can we demonstrate love and kindness towards one another?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 3 John 1

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Philippians 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the events leading up to Paul's imprisonment in Rome. Despite Paul's warning, the captain of the ship decided to set sail, resulting in a seve
	To the Beloved Gaius by Bob Bruton	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Third John and highlights several important lessons. The preacher emphasizes the importance of promoting fellowship and not deny
	Ephesians (Part 3) by Les Wheeldon	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the recent General Election and the impact it had on the defeated candidate. He emphasizes that in the church, power and authority should no
	(Genesis) 27 - the Faith of the Father of the Faithful: Uncompromising by S. Lewis Johnson	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abram in Genesis chapter 14. He describes Abram as a man who is both deeply connected to God and capable of handling worldly af
	Partnering With Jesus: Faith for Supernatural Increase in Finances (Pt. 2) by Mike Bickle	Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of partnering with Jesus in faith for supernatural financial increase, sharing personal testimonies of God's provision that demonstrate His fa
	Encountering the Father Heart of God: A Vision to Go Deep in God by Mike Bickle	Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of encountering the Father heart of God, inviting believers to experience intimacy with God as their loving Father. He highlights that this re
	The Apostle John: His Threefold Spiritual Identity by Mike Bickle	Mike Bickle discusses the transformative journey of the Apostle John, emphasizing his evolution from a 'son of thunder' marked by pride to the 'apostle of love' through encounters
	Holiness and the Sanctification of the Body by Samuel Logan Brengle	Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the profound truth that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to sanctify their entire being—body, soul, and spirit—for God's
	The Church, Visible and Invisible by Milton Haney	Milton Haney preaches about the distinction between the invisible church, known only to Christ, and the visible church, organized by human hands. He emphasizes the importance of be
	According to the Power That Worketh in Us by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in achieving union with God, which leads to an inheritance of blessings and prosperity in health and spirit. He

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 3 John 1

In his commentary on 3 John 1, Matthew Henry highlights the importance of walking in the truth and showing hospitality towards fellow believers. He notes that the apostle John's emphasis on faithfulness and love serves as a reminder to believers to remain committed to the teachings of Christ and to support one another in their walk with God. Henry also warns against the dangers of pride and the rejection of authority, using the example of Diotrephes as a cautionary tale. He encourages believers to imitate what is good and to support one another in their faith, as seen in the example of Demetrius. Ultimately, Henry's commentary emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and reflecting the character of Christ in our relationships with one another. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?