A stony road climbing between dry hills toward a small Greek town at dawn, two travelers with staffs far off, seen from behind.

The Book of

3 John 1

A short note to a man with an open door, about the travelers on the road and the one who shut them out.

14 verses≈ 3 min3 peopleBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

A Greeting from the Elder

From The elderTo the beloved Gaius

The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.

3 John 1:1–2

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For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.

3 John 1:4

Gaius Commended for Hospitality

The elder

Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

3 John 1:8

Pray

Fellow workers

Gaius never set out on the road himself, yet the elder counts him among the “fellow workers for the truth.” Pray by name for missionaries and gospel workers you know. Ask God to show you one practical way to stand behind them this week: a meal, a gift, a bed, or a message that says you are with them.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

A wooden courtyard gate shut at dusk, a traveler’s staff and cloth bundle left leaning against the wall outside.

I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.

0:20

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

3 John 1:11

Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.

Two doors, one choice

Whiteboard

Gaius opens his door to the traveling brothers; Diotrephes shuts his. Between the two stories the elder writes, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” Then he names one more good example: Demetrius “has received a good testimony from everyone.”

Question

Quick question

The elder sums up Diotrephes in a single phrase.

What does the elder say lay at the root of Diotrephes’ behavior?

Conclusion

From The elderTo Gaius

I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink. Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.

3 John 1:13–14

Friends greeting one another in a lamplit courtyard at evening, hands clasped, seen from behind.

In this chapter

Reflect

Whose example?

The elder sets two men side by side: Gaius, “faithful in what you are doing for the brothers,” and Diotrephes, “who loves to be first.” Where do you see a little of each in yourself? Who could you welcome, encourage or greet by name this week?

You’ve experienced

3 John 1

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A verse to carry with you

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4

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