3 John- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: The Apostle John
• Audience: Gaius and his community
• Original Greek Name: Γ΄ Ιωάννη
• Translated Hebrew Name: יוחנן ג
• Common English Name: 3 John
• Transliteration: G΄ Ioanne
• Meaning: 3 John
• Date Created: c 90 CE
• Content Reference Time: c 90 CE
• Key Individuals:
  • John
  • Gaius
  • Diotrephes
  • Demetrius
• Key Themes:
  • G-d's people should live according to the standard of His Word. (3 John 1-12)
  • John's closing words (3 John 13-15)
• Date Canonized: c 200-320 CE
• Abstract:

  The apostle John wrote this, his third letter, to a believer named Gaius.  In it, John writes that he was glad to hear that Gaius was walking in the truth of G-d's Word and that Gaius had received some believers (who were traveling in the area) with hospitality and then sent them on their way "in a manner worthy of G-d."  John warns Gaius about a member of a local congregation, Diotrephes, who does not accept what John says, does not show hospitality to believers who do accept what John says, and even puts them out of fellowship.  He encourages Gaius to imitate what is good and not evil and closes his short letter by expressing hope to see Gaius soon.

• Location Created: Ephesus
• Content Location: no specific location
• Teaches:
  • Believers should be hospitable.
  • Pride disqualifies believers from true leadership.
  • Faithfulness and selflessness are the hallmarks of true leaders.
• Chapters: 1
• Verses: 14