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Book 64 of 66 · New Testament

3 John

A personal note commending a faithful friend and rebuking a domineering church leader.

1 chapters14 versesWritten in GreekSet To a believer named Gaius

Overview

3 John is a personal note from "the elder" to a friend named Gaius, praising him for his hospitality to travelling teachers. It contrasts him with Diotrephes, a leader who loves to be first and shuts others out, and with Demetrius, who is well spoken of. It is a small window into the everyday life of the early church.

Book facts

Author
John, "the elder" (traditionally)From "the elder," traditionally the apostle John.
Date written
c. AD 90Around the same time as the other letters of John.
Original language
GreekA single-chapter personal note.
Setting
To a believer named GaiusAbout hospitality and church leadership.

How it came to be

3 John is written by "the elder" to a believer named Gaius. Tradition identifies the elder with the apostle John.

It deals with a practical matter: welcoming travelling teachers, and a leader who refused to.

What is arguedThe identity of "the elder," and the dispute with Diotrephes.

The whole book, chapter by chapter

ChapterWhat this chapter covers
Hospitality and leadership — a short note to Gaius, chapter 1
Chapter 1The beloved GaiusPraise for Gaius's hospitality, a rebuke of the domineering Diotrephes, and a good word for Demetrius.

All 1 chapters. Start reading →

Worth knowing

Key people

The apostle to whom the letter is traditionally credited.

Known for

The letter's best-known lines — tap the verse to read it.