UNROLL
A lamplit courtyard at night, a few sleeping mats unrolled for guests on the paving and two travelers’ staffs leaning by the door.

The Book of

3 John Intro

A short note to a friend whose door was open to strangers.

Before chapter 1≈ 2 min1 chapters

Images are artistic interpretations.

Who wrote it

The elder

Traditionally John the apostle

  • He signs himself simply “The elder,” as he does in 2 John.3 John 1:1
  • The church has long held him to be John the apostle, writing late in life, traditionally from Ephesus.Church tradition
  • Some think he was another John, ‘John the elder’, whom Papias mentions.Papias, c. AD 110–130
  • Written to Gaius, probably in a church of the province of Asia, perhaps AD 85–95.Many scholars

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

How it’s built

One letter, three men

Joy in thetruth1–4 · to Gaius, whomhe lovesGaius’ opendoor5–8 · send them onwellTwo ways tolive9–12 · Diotrephes,DemetriusFace to face13–14 · greet friendsby name

Whiteboard

Fourteen verses, three men: one who opens his door, one who shuts it, and one with a good name.

Meet the cast

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Watch for

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

3 John 1:4

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