To whom was it written?
The book was an epistle written to Gaius, who is described frequently as someone for whom John has great affection. He refers to Gaius as “well beloved” (3 Jn 1:1), “beloved” (3 Jn 1:2, 5, 11), and one of his children (3 Jn 1:4).
What was the occasion?
It appears from the epistle that it was written by John in response to brethren who came back and testified that Gaius walked in the truth and that all that he does is done faithfully to both brethren and strangers.
The passage identifies several people:
- The elder —> the author
- Gaius —> the recipient
- The “brethren” —> people who came to the elder and told him of Gaius
- Diotrephes —>
- Demetrius —>
What are the key words?1
- Truth (3 Jn 1, 3, 4, 8, 12)
- Not (3 Jn 9, 10, 11, 13)
- Beloved, wellbeloved (3 Jn 1, 2, 5, 11)
- Brethren (3 Jn 3, 5, 10)
- Church (3 Jn 6, 9, 10)
- Doeth (3 Jn 10, 11)
- Good (3 Jn 11, 12)
- Note that truth is one of John’s favorite words. He uses it 20 times in his gospel, 9 times in 1 John, and five times in 2 John]
What subjects are covered?
truth, charity, church leadership, service, character, sincerity, pride, slander. brotherly love. spiritual growth. health, healing, prosperity, maturity, fruit of the spirit [Joy, Love], good name, hospitality, fidelity, strangers, brethren, helpfulness, pride, self-exaltation, ambition, evil words, opposers, inhospitality, shun evil, do good, sinful imitation, truthfulness, friendship
What is the central truth/theme of the book
There is a contrast between three individuals in terms of their walking in the truth and their service to their fellow man. The central theme seems to be both submitting to the truth (which I think is a metaphor for Jesus) and treating our fellow man with love, which is exemplified through the positive example of Gaius. It seems to me to be an example of someone being commended for living out the two greatest commandments: love the Lord they God with all thy heart, soul, mind, strength; and love they neighbor as thyself. (Mk 12:29-31.) It also calls to mind Jesus’ washing the disciples feet (Jn 13:4-5) and, perhaps, a recognition that Gaius was living this out.
What is your takeaway?
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- I’ve studied all the original language words. Other than a few noteworthy words, most of the words as translated in 3 John mean what I’d expect in the original. That is, the words in this letter are very plain and direct. ↩︎
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