Welcome dear readers! Here is the book of 3 John summary by chapter which offers a quick glance through the book in the Bible. The Third Epistle of John is another short letter, but filled with encouragement and guidance.
In this short letter, John addresses his friend Gaius, commending him for his faithfulness and hospitality, while also issuing a warning about an uncooperative church leader.
(Also Read: The Book of 2 John Summary by Chapter)
Table of Contents
The Book of 3 John Summary by Chapter
Chapter 1 – Commending Gaius; Warning about Diotrephes
John begins the letter by addressing his dear friend Gaius, whom he loves in the truth. He expresses his joy at hearing that Gaius is walking in the truth and praises him for his faithful service and hospitality to fellow believers, even to strangers.
However, John also raises concerns about a church leader named Diotrephes, who is unwilling to acknowledge John’s authority and spreads malicious nonsense. Moreover, Diotrephes refuses to welcome other believers and even excommunicates those who do. John advises Gaius not to imitate evil but to do what is good. He concludes by expressing his hope to see Gaius soon and convey greetings in person.
An Open Letter to a Good Friend
John starts his letter like any good friend would, by checking in on his buddy Gaius. He’s heard some great things about Gaius, that he’s really living out his faith and practicing what he preaches. This is making John really happy.
Gaius has been super kind and welcoming to people who believe in Jesus, just like he does. He’s even been good to total strangers! John’s totally impressed and thankful for this.
But then, John shares something that’s been bothering him. There’s this guy, Diotrephes, who thinks he’s all that and isn’t playing nice with others. He’s not listening to what John has to say, and he’s spreading mean-spirited gossip. Worse, he’s not welcoming other followers of Jesus and even kicks out those who do.
John tells his friend Gaius, “Don’t be like Diotrephes. It’s way better to do good things than to do bad.” He wraps up his note by saying he hopes to catch up with Gaius in person soon.
And just like that, John’s note to Gaius gives us some real-life wisdom. It reminds us to be kind, to welcome others, and to always try to do what’s right, even when others don’t. And it shows us that even in John’s time, there were people who didn’t always play fair. But that didn’t stop folks like Gaius from doing good. And it shouldn’t stop us either.
The Text – 3 John
Here is the full text of 3 John in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible:
1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Beloved, 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.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6 Which 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:
7 Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8 We 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.
10 Wherefore, 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.
11 Beloved, 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.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.
15 Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
In this heartfelt letter to Gaius, the Apostle John celebrates the unwavering commitment to the truth and the love and hospitality extended to fellow believers. At the same time, John’s words serve as a reminder to be watchful of those who, like Diotrephes, seek their own prominence and hinder the unity of the church.
(Read Also: The book of Jude summary by chapter)
I encourage you to read the whole text of the book of 2 John yourself using your most preferred version of the Bible.
Let us, like Gaius, strive to be faithful, hospitable, and walk in the truth of our Lord. God’s grace!
