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Author |
John the Apostle. (In addition to the 3 letters bearing his name, John is also the author of the fourth Gospel and the book of the Revelation.) |
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Date |
Between A.D. 85 and 96 |
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Title |
From the book's author: John |
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Background |
3 John, a book of only 14 verses, centers around 3 characters. Gaius is a Christian man who consistently walks in the truth, Diotrephes is a disruptive and prideful leading man in the church; and Demetrius is the fellow Christian who probably took this letter from John to Gaius. Many evangelists spread the Gospel from church to church and are supported by church members taking them into their homes. John encourages such generosity. He was a leader in the church at Ephesus for many years, having moved there from Jerusalem where he cared for Jesus' mother after the crucifixion. |
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Where |
Probably Ephesus |
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To Whom |
To Gaius |
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Content |
Having traveled with Jesus, John understands the need for evangelists to be aided in their efforts. John writes this letter to his friend Gaius commending him and encouraging him to continue his support for the evangelists who travel throughout Asia Minor. Gaius is further warned not to be like Diotrephes, who refuses to help the evangelists, undermines the authority of John, and even banishes from the church all who desire to give aid to these men. In contrast, Demetrius is highly commended as a model church member. John closes this third letter with his hope to visit soon. |
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Themes |
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Key |
“Joy”; “Hospitality”. The abundant “joy” which John expresses is for the faithfulness of Gaius and other believers who continue to walk in truth. The “hospitality” which they show to the evangelists and other Christian brothers is a trait which the entire Church is commissioned to develop. |
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Outline |
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