Bible Overview 3 John
Mike Ervin
3 JOHN STUDY OVERVIEW
1. AUTHORSHIP AND DATE
Traditional View:
• Authorship:
The letter is attributed to “the elder.” Early church tradition often
identifies this figure with the Apostle John—linking 3 John with the Johannine
circle responsible for the Gospel of John and the other Johannine letters.
• Date:
Traditionally, the letter is dated to the late first century (around A.D.
90–110), during a period when the Johannine community was establishing its
identity.
Modern Scholarly View:
• Authorship:
While many still view the author as part of the Johannine community, modern
scholars tend to be more cautious. Rather than definitively identifying the
“elder” as John the Apostle, they often see him as a leading figure from that
community whose writings reflect its distinctive theological and ethical
concerns.
• Date:
Modern scholarship generally concurs with a late first-century date (A.D.
90–110), using internal language, theological themes, and connections with the
other Johannine works to support this timeframe.
2. INTENDED AUDIENCE
• Traditional Interpretation:
The letter is addressed to a man named Gaius. Traditionally, Gaius is seen as a
respected leader or patron within a local church, noted for his hospitality and
support of itinerant Christian workers.
• Modern Interpretation:
Some scholars suggest that while Gaius may have been a specific individual, his
name might also serve as a representative of a community of believers
characterized by their commitment to welcoming and supporting true teachers. In
this view, the letter’s exhortations apply broadly to the church as it
navigates issues of leadership and hospitality.
3. MAJOR THEMES
1. Hospitality and Support:
• Core Message: A strong commendation is given to those who welcome and support
traveling Christian ministers. Gaius is praised for his hospitality, which is
seen as essential for the health and witness of the church.
2. Faithfulness to the Truth:
• Core Message: The letter emphasizes adherence to the apostolic teaching.
There is a clear call to safeguard the truth of the Gospel by distinguishing
between faithful and unfaithful teachers.
3. Church Order and Authority:
• Core Message: By contrasting the commendable conduct of Gaius (and the
referenced faithful minister Demetrius) with the disruptive behavior of
Diotrephes, the text underscores the importance of proper leadership and order
within the community.
4. Ethical Living in Community:
• Core Message: Although brief, the letter weaves together themes of love,
truth, and moral conduct, urging believers to live in a manner consistent with
the teachings of Christ.
4. SEQUENTIAL REVIEW OF THE TEXT
3 John is a very short letter (only 14 verses) that can be divided into clear,
thematic sections:
1. Greeting and Introduction (Verses 1–3):
• The author introduces himself simply as “the elder” and extends greetings of
love and truth to Gaius.
• Key Focus: Establishes the writer’s authority and sets a pastoral tone
centered on genuine Christian love and commitment to truth.
2. Commendation of Gaius and the Practice of Hospitality (Verses 4–8):
• The author commends Gaius for his faithful service in welcoming and assisting
itinerant believers.
• This section contrasts positive behavior with the rejection of those who fail
to support true Christian ministry.
• Key Focus: Highlights the critical role of hospitality in nurturing the
church’s life and ensuring the spread of the Gospel.
3. Warning Against Diotrephes and the Call to Support (Verses 9–10):
• The letter sharply criticizes Diotrephes, a figure in the community who
refuses to welcome faithful teachers and even takes steps to assert control,
thereby disrupting church unity.
• Key Focus: Serves as a caution against divisive and authoritarian leadership
that undermines communal truth and mutual care.
4. Commendation of Demetrius and Concluding Exhortations (Verses 11–14):
• The author refers to Demetrius as an example of a faithful and well-regarded
minister, urging the community to support such individuals.
• The letter concludes with final greetings and a prayer for continued peace
and faithful witness.
• Key Focus: Reaffirms the call for a community grounded in hospitality, truth,
and mutual respect, with a clear preference for those who uphold the apostolic
message.
CONCLUSION
3 John may be one of the briefest New Testament writings, yet it powerfully
addresses issues that remain relevant:
• Hospitality: Essential for a healthy, supportive church community.
• Discernment: The need to distinguish between those who promote true Gospel
teaching and those who undermine it.
• Community Order: The importance of proper, humble leadership that nurtures
rather than disrupts the fellowship.