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Book introduction

The book of 3 John

3 John is a personal note from “the elder” to Gaius, thanking him for hosting traveling teachers, and warning about Diotrephes, who refused them and loves to be first.

General letters · 1 chapter

Read 3 John

Who wrote 3 John?

From “the elder.” Tradition names the apostle John; see 1 John.

When was it written?

About AD 90–100.

Main themes

Hospitality
Supporting those who travel for the gospel.
Imitate good
Not the pride of Diotrephes.

Outline of 3 John

  1. Verses 1–8Praise for Gaius’s hospitality
  2. Verses 9–12Diotrephes and Demetrius
  3. Verses 13–14Closing

Key verses

I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

3 John 1:4

Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

3 John 1:11

Quoted from the Lumin Translation.

Where to start

14 verses. Read it in a minute.

Read 3 John

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