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3 John Chapters - NHEB Bible

John's Third Letter, addressed personally to his friend Gaius, commends the practice of generous hospitality toward traveling Christian missionaries and teachers, while rebuking Diotrephes for his domineering pride and refusal to welcome fellow believers. 3 John Bible chapters offer a vivid window into the practical challenges of early church leadership: the contrast between Gaius' faithful support of gospel workers and Diotrephes' self-serving obstruction of them. The brief endorsement of Demetrius rounds out a picture of three men representing three patterns of Christian character. This intimate letter demonstrates that faithfulness in everyday relationships and practical support of gospel ministry are vital expressions of loving God.

3 John Chapters - NHEB Bible
Chapter 1 3 John 1

About 3 John

Third John is the sixty-fourth book of the Bible, written by the apostle John around AD 85-95 and spanning only 14 verses in a single chapter -- the shortest book in the New Testament by verse count. Addressed by the Elder (John) to a man named Gaius, it commends Gaius for his hospitality toward traveling missionaries and Christian workers, and contrasts his character with two other figures: Diotrephes, a domineering church leader who refused to welcome missionaries, slandered the apostle John, and expelled from the church those who did show hospitality; and Demetrius, who is commended as a man of good character. Major themes include the vital importance of Christian hospitality and generosity toward gospel workers, the danger of selfish ambition and love of preeminence in church leadership, the importance of walking in truth, and the affirmation of those who faithfully support gospel mission. Key verses include 3 John 1:2 -- Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well -- and 3 John 1:11 -- Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Third John KJV is a tiny window into the personal dynamics and relational challenges of early Christian communities, and its call to hospitality and integrity remains immediately applicable to church life today. Read the Book of 3 John online here in full.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote 3 John and who was it addressed to?
3 John was written by "the Elder," traditionally identified as the apostle John, sometime around AD 85-95. It is a personal letter addressed to a man named Gaius, commending him for the hospitality he showed to traveling Christian missionaries.
Is 3 John really the shortest book in the New Testament?
Yes -- at just 14 verses in a single chapter, 3 John chapter 1 is the shortest book in the New Testament by verse count, narrowly beating out 2 John. Despite its brevity, it captures a vivid slice of everyday conflict and character in the early church.
Who are Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius in 3 John?
The letter contrasts three men: Gaius, praised for generously supporting traveling gospel workers; Diotrephes, a domineering local leader who refused to welcome missionaries, slandered John, and expelled those who did show hospitality; and Demetrius, commended simply as a man of good character. Together they illustrate opposite patterns of Christian leadership and conduct.
What does 3 John teach about hospitality toward missionaries?
The letter treats practical hospitality -- housing, feeding, and funding traveling teachers -- as a genuine expression of partnership in the gospel, not a minor courtesy. Gaius's faithfulness in this area is held up as the standard, while Diotrephes' refusal to welcome fellow believers is treated as a serious failure of love.
What is the meaning behind 3 John 1:2, the verse about prospering in health?
3 John 1:2 -- "I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well" -- is a warm personal greeting wishing Gaius well in body as his soul was already doing well spiritually. It is sometimes cited (often out of context) in prosperity-gospel teaching, though in the letter it functions simply as an affectionate opening blessing.
How does 3 John compare to longer New Testament letters like Romans?
Unlike doctrinal letters such as Romans, which develop extended theological arguments, 3 John is a short, personal note dealing with a specific local dispute over hospitality and leadership. It shows that not every New Testament letter is a treatise -- some are simply candid correspondence between real people. Readers who want a different rendering can also check 3 John in ASV.

Today's Verse

but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and he hath made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these:

Daniel 2:28 | ASV

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