A Journey Through 3 John: The Work of Truth

The third letter of John is a beautiful little postcard from the early church. It is intensely personal, addressed by "the elder"—the aged apostle John—to a man he dearly loves, named Gaius. This letter is a companion piece to 2 John. Both are the shortest books in the New Testament and both deal with the crucial theme of hospitality.

In 2 John, the apostle gave a stern warning against welcoming false teachers who were spreading lies and undermining the faith. But here, in 3 John, he addresses the opposite problem. It seems that genuine, approved ministers of the gospel were being refused hospitality by a man who had set himself up as a leader in the church. John writes to commend Gaius for his faithful generosity and to address the destructive behavior of this other man, Diotrephes. This short letter gives us a fascinating glimpse into the life, politics, and heart of a local church.

A Commendation for Faithfulness

John begins his letter with a greeting full of personal warmth and affection. He tells Gaius, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." This is the heart of a true spiritual father. His greatest joy wasn't in numbers or influence, but in seeing those he cared for living out their faith authentically.

He specifically commends Gaius for his faithfulness in showing hospitality to traveling ministers of the gospel, even to those who were strangers to him. These were men who had gone out for the sake of "the Name," refusing to accept support from pagans. They relied entirely on the generosity of fellow believers. John tells Gaius that by welcoming such people, "we work together for the truth." What a beautiful perspective. Hospitality isn't just about providing a meal and a bed; it is active participation in the work of the gospel. When we support those who carry the message, we become partners with them in spreading the truth.

This is a powerful reminder for us today. Our support for missionaries, pastors, and other ministers is not a mere financial transaction. It is a spiritual partnership. We are working together for the cause of Christ.

A Warning Against Pride

John then pivots to address a painful situation in the church. He had written a previous letter, but a man named Diotrephes, "who loves to be first," would not welcome the apostle’s authority or his messengers. This man’s pride had become destructive.

John lists several of Diotrephes's offenses:

• He was spreading malicious gossip about the apostle.

• He refused to welcome the traveling ministers.

• He put out of the church anyone who did try to show them hospitality.

Diotrephes is a sobering example of how pride can poison a church. His desire for preeminence led him to reject apostolic authority, slander a man of God, and create division among the believers. He was so consumed with his own position that he actively hindered the work of the gospel.

John makes it clear he intends to deal with this situation when he visits in person. But for now, he gives Gaius a simple, powerful instruction: "Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God." The contrast is stark. The faithfulness of Gaius is from God. The selfish ambition of Diotrephes is not.

An Encouragement to Do Good

John also commends another man, Demetrius, who was well spoken of by everyone, by the truth itself, and by John. It seems Demetrius may have been the one carrying this letter, and John gives him a glowing recommendation, a stark contrast to the warning about Diotrephes.

Like his second letter, John closes with a desire to speak face to face. "I have much to write you," he says, "but I do not want to do so with pen and ink." He longs for personal fellowship, where their connection can be deeper than what a letter can provide. He ends with a simple blessing: "Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name."

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.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. How can your generosity—time, home, or resources—help support the gospel this week?

2. Where might a desire for recognition keep you from serving humbly, as John warns against?

3. In what simple way can you show hospitality to support friends and messengers of the gospel?