The Work of Truth: A Journey Through 3 John

Open book on a white surface with a pen and decorative plant

Open Bible with a pen and floral notebook on a white surface

The Book of 3 John

Now an old man simply called "the elder," John writes a warm, personal note to a friend he dearly loves, a man named Gaius, and where 2 John warned us to shut the door on false teachers, here he confronts the opposite wrong—faithful gospel workers being turned away by Diotrephes, a man so hungry for power that he refused to welcome them and pushed out anyone who tried. So John writes to lift up Gaius for his generous, open-hearted hospitality and to call out the damage one prideful leader can do, reminding us that how we treat God's servants reveals what truly lives in our hearts.

Video Overview of 3 John

Watch a Summary of 3 John
In this video Juli Camarin gives a short highlight of 3 John pointing out the main points and highlighting the flow of the entire letter.

3 John Chapter Summary

A Journey Through 3 John: The Work of Truth
This tiny letter is packed with practical wisdom. It encourages us to be like Gaius, faithfully and generously supporting the work of the gospel. It warns us against the pride of Diotrephes, which seeks its own glory above God's. And it reminds us of the beautiful truth that when we welcome and support God's messengers, we become partners with them in the most important work in the world—the work of the truth.

Read Summary

Introduction to 3 John

The Work of Truth
The letter highlights the importance of supporting God's messengers as active partners in spreading the truth, while warning against selfish ambition. It concludes with a blessing and a desire for face-to-face fellowship.

3 John

A Commendation for Faithfulness
John shares the secret to his deepest joy when he tells Gaius, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth"—and he praises this dear friend for opening his home to traveling gospel workers, even strangers, reminding us that when we support those who carry the message, "we work together for the truth." But that warmth stands in sharp contrast to Diotrephes, a leader so in love with being first that he spread malicious gossip, slammed the door on faithful ministers, and even pushed out anyone who dared to welcome them, prompting John's simple but searching charge: "do not imitate what is evil but what is good."

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