3 John
Share
3 John
There is little evidence for the use of 3 John before the third century. The brevity and lack of a specific address for the letter would have contributed to its neglect. Eusebius classified the letter among the disputed writings of the New Testament, but the church came to accept it as a product of the apostle John.
The use of the term "elder" in common with 2 John makes it likely that both writings came from the same writer. Both letters also make reference to the practice of walking in the truth (2 John 4; 3 John 3). These similar practices plus the opinion of early Christian leaders make the acceptance of apostolic authorship the wisest choice.
Date. The similarities just mentioned make it likely that both 2 John and 3 John were written near the same time. It is possible that the writer referred to 2 John in his description of writing to the church in 3 John 9. No clear scriptural evidence exists, however, of the order of writing the two letters. A date in the mid-90's seems most likely.
Recipients. John named the recipient of 3 John (v. 1), but we have no idea of the specific location to which he wrote. Church tradition has placed John at Ephesus during the latter years of his life. It seems reasonable that this is a letter to some churches in Asia for which John had pastoral responsibilities. It is not certain from 3 John that both Gaius and Diotrephes belonged to the same church, but both men probably lived close together.
Theme. This letter presents a contrast between the truth and service demonstrated by Gaius and the arrogance shown by Diotrephes. John emphasized that "truth" was a type of behavior that agreed with the doctrine Christians professed (3 John 8). The autocratic behavior of Diotrephes violated this behavior. John wanted to bring his domineering practices to an end.
Literary Form. This writing has the form of a typical letter. Both the author and recipient are identified. A conclusion with a collection of Christian greetings appears at the end. The misbehavior of Diotrephes provided a specific occasion for the writing of the letter.
- Greeting (v. 1)
- Gaius's Hospitality (vv. 2-8)
- Diotrephes (vv. 9-11)
- A Future Visit (vv. 12-14)
Purpose and Theology. John wrote both to commend and rebuke. He commended Gaius for his unselfish behavior and Christian hospitality. He rebuked the domineering Diotrephes for his dictatorial practices. He also praised Demetrius (v. 12), who probably carried the letter. The length of the letter allows little opportunity for theological expression.
Greeting (v. 1)
John's use of the term "elder" duplicates that of 2 John. It is impossible to determine whether Gaius was the same as others mentioned by that name in the New Testament (see Acts 19:29; 20:4). It was one of the most common names in the Roman Empire.
Gaius's Hospitality (vv. 2-8)
John acknowledged that the spiritual growth of Gaius was progressing well and wished that his physical health might be in the same condition. Some traveling missionaries ("brothers"), probably sent out by John, had commended Gaius for his loyalty to the truth of the gospel and his demonstration of love. John regarded Gaius as his spiritual child and indicated that a report of his spiritual growth filled him with joy.
John was fearful that the aggressive opposition of Diotrephes might lead Gaius to refrain from showing hospitality to traveling believers. He urged Gaius to continue what he had been doing.
Since we cannot know whether Gaius and Diotrephes attended the same church, we are uncertain of the nature of John's warning about Diotrephes. If both men were in the same church, John may have commended Gaius for not buckling under to Diotrephes. If they were in nearby churches, John could have warned Gaius about the high-handed actions of Diotrephes.
Diotrephes (vv. 9-11)
John denounced Diotrephes for his pride, his wicked words, and his inhospitable treatment of traveling Christian missionaries. The motives for Diotrephes' actions do not seem to have been theological but personal and moral.
Diotrephes was dominated by personal ambition.
John may have feared that Gaius would follow carelessly the bad example of Diotrephes. This led him to warn Gaius to choose his examples carefully. Gaius was to follow those who practiced good, not evil.
A Future Visit (vv. 12-14)
John commended Demetrius to the care of Gaius. He complimented Demetrius with the statement that "everyone" spoke well of him.
John's heart was full of thoughts and ideas to convey to his readers, but he withheld them in anticipation of a future visit. He had much more to say than he could include on a single sheet of the writing material known as papyrus.
Questions for Reflection
- For what actions did John commend Gaius? How can we duplicate his actions today?
- For what actions did John rebuke Diotrephes? What forms would his disobedient actions take today?
Sources for Additional Study
See books listed for 1 John.