3 John 1

King James Version

Full text for 3 John Chapter 1

1¶ The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3¶ For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

6Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

7Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

9¶ I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.

11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

12¶ Demetrius hath good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, and we [also] bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

14But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

The Elder commends Gaius for his steadfast walk in truth and his faithful hospitality towards traveling brethren, expressing great joy in his spiritual well-being. In stark contrast, the Elder denounces Diotrephes, who seeks preeminence, rejects apostolic authority, and maliciously expels faithful believers from the church. The Elder promises to address Diotrephes's actions upon his arrival, while also commending Demetrius as an example of good conduct.

Medium Summary

The Elder opens with a loving greeting to Gaius, wishing him physical health and prosperity commensurate with his spiritual flourishing. He expresses profound joy upon hearing from brethren who testified to Gaius's steadfast walk in truth and his faithful hospitality towards both brethren and strangers. The Elder emphasizes the importance of supporting those who travel for Christ's name, as they take nothing from the Gentiles, thus making fellowhelpers to the truth. In stark contrast, the Elder denounces Diotrephes, who desires preeminence, rejects the Elder's authority, spreads malicious words, and actively hinders and expels those who would receive the brethren. The Elder intends to confront Diotrephes's evil deeds and exhorts Gaius to follow good. Demetrius is presented as an example of good conduct, having a commendable report from all and from the truth itself. The letter concludes with the Elder's desire for a personal meeting.

Long Summary

The Elder addresses the beloved Gaius, expressing a deep affection rooted in truth and wishing him prosperity and health that mirrors the flourishing of his soul. He declares his immense joy, having received reports from brethren who bore witness to Gaius's consistent walk in truth, affirming that there is no greater satisfaction than hearing his spiritual children live righteously. Gaius is lauded for his faithful acts of charity and hospitality shown to both traveling brethren and strangers, whose good deeds were testified before the church. The Elder encourages Gaius to continue supporting these individuals on their journey in a manner worthy of God, emphasizing that these missionaries went forth for Christ's name, accepting no support from the Gentiles, and therefore ought to be received as fellowhelpers to the truth. However, the Elder then sharply criticizes Diotrephes, who seeks to dominate the church, rejects the Elder's authority, and spreads malicious accusations. Diotrephes not only refuses to receive the traveling brethren himself but also actively forbids others from doing so and expels them from the church. The Elder vows to address these wicked deeds upon his arrival, urging Gaius to emulate good rather than evil, for doing good signifies being of God, while doing evil indicates a lack of true knowledge of God. In contrast to Diotrephes, Demetrius is highly commended by all, including the truth itself, and the Elder personally vouches for his integrity. The letter concludes with the Elder expressing a desire for a face-to-face meeting rather than writing further, extending peace to Gaius, and conveying greetings from friends.

Core Concepts

  • Walking in TruthGaius is commended for his steadfast adherence to truth, which is evident in his life and actions, bringing great joy to the Elder.
  • Hospitality to BrethrenGaius faithfully extends charity and support to traveling Christian brethren and strangers, demonstrating his commitment to the faith.
  • Support for MissionariesThe chapter highlights the duty of believers to receive and assist those who travel and minister for Christ's name, especially since they rely solely on Christian support.
  • Ecclesiastical PreeminenceDiotrephes is condemned for his desire to hold the chief place within the church, leading him to reject apostolic authority and act against faithful believers.
  • Malicious OppositionDiotrephes's actions include slandering the Elder with malicious words, refusing hospitality to brethren, and expelling those who would offer it, demonstrating a spirit of antagonism.
  • Commendation of Good ConductDemetrius is presented as an example of virtue, having a good report from all and from the truth itself, serving as a contrast to Diotrephes.
  • Spiritual ProsperityThe Elder's opening wish for Gaius's physical health and prosperity is directly linked to and made conditional upon the flourishing state of his soul in truth.