The Book of 3 John
What is the book of 3 John about?
The book of 3 John is addressed to Gaius, commending him for supporting evangelists and teachers and to also indirectly warn Diotrephes for refusing to welcome these same teachers.
Diotrephes, a dictatorial church leader, excommunicated members who showed hospitality to John's messengers. "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us." (1:9)
During the first two centuries the gospel was taken from place to place by traveling evangelists and teachers. Believers customarily took these missionaries into their homes and gave them provisions for their journey when they left.
Who wrote the book of 3 John?
The author of the book of 2 John is the apostle John. In the first verses of both 2 John and 3 John the author identifies himself as "the elder." Similarities to 1 John and the Gospel of John suggest that the same author wrote all three books.
Who is the audience?
Gaius, perhaps a leader of one of the churches in western Asia Minor.
Timeframe 3 John was written:
Written around AD 85-95.
"In short" (One sentence summary):
John writes this letter to commend Gaius for supporting traveling teachers and to rebuke Diotrephes (a dictatorial church leader) for refusing to welcome them.
Fun facts about 3 John/Did you know?
3 John is one of four New Testament books that only have a single chapter. This book is the second shortest by verse count with only fourteen verses.
