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Summary

3 John 1:1–4 – Greeting and joy in walking in truth

What happens: The elder greets beloved Gaius, praying for his health as his soul prospers. He rejoices that Gaius walks in the truth.

What it means: God cares for whole-life well-being, not only the soul. Faithful walking in truth brings shared joy. The principle is pastoral love tied to spiritual integrity.

3 John 1:5–8 – Support for gospel workers

What happens: Gaius shows faithful hospitality to traveling brothers. John urges sending them in a manner worthy of God, as they go out for the Name, taking nothing from Gentiles. Fellow workers should support them.

What it means: God advances the gospel through generous partnership. Hospitality reflects God’s mission heart. The principle is active support for those who serve Christ.

3 John 1:9–11 – Diotrephes and the call to imitate good

What happens: Diotrephes loves to be first, rejects the apostles, and expels those who welcome the brothers. John warns not to imitate evil but good.

What it means: God opposes pride that harms the church and rejects authority. The principle is to follow humble goodness, not domineering leaders.

3 John 1:12–15 – Commendation and farewell

What happens: Demetrius has a good testimony from all and from the truth itself. John hopes to visit soon and offers peace and greetings.

What it means: God commends faithful character verified by the community and truth. The principle is to honor proven servants and seek unity.

Application

  • Practice generous hospitality to faithful workers.
  • Reject prideful leadership and imitate what is good.
  • Encourage and commend those whose lives match the truth.

Bible

1The 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.

3For 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.

9I 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.

12Demetrius 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.

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