General Epistles · New Testament
3 John
c. AD 90
- Section
- General Epistles · New Testament
- Events span
- c. AD 90
- Written
- c. AD 90 critical view: c. AD 90–110
- Author
- John the Apostle critical view: The Johannine elder / anonymous
John writes to his friend Gaius, commending him for showing hospitality to traveling teachers. He rebukes the domineering Diotrephes, who refuses to welcome them, and commends Demetrius — a small window into leadership struggles in the early church.
Key themes
- Hospitality
- Walking in truth
- Supporting faithful ministry
- Rebuking pride
- Doing good
The letter's message
- John commends his friend Gaius for walking in the truth
- He praises Gaius for showing hospitality to traveling teachers
- He rebukes Diotrephes, who loves preeminence and refuses to welcome the brothers
- He commends Demetrius, who has a good testimony from everyone
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”