3 John — Introduction & Outline

The same arguments used for 1 John and 2 John demonstrate that John is also the author of 3 John. There is the similarity in style and use of the term "The Elder" (v. 1; Cf. 2 John 1). Also, apostolic authority is suggested in verse 10. The scant attestation of tradition is attributed to the brief and personal contents of the letter.

The date and place of writing would be the same as for 1 John and 2 John: about A.D. 85-95 from Ephesus. If it is true that the latter two epistles were cover letters for the first, these facts would be easily ascertained.

The letter is addressed to "the beloved Gaius" (v. 1). This man is well known to John and greatly loved by him ("beloved is also used in verses 2, 5, and 11). Since it was a common name, there is probably no connection to others named Gaius in the New Testament. He evidently lived in the province of Asia near Ephesus and was a church leader.

Some traveling brethren had reported to John about the hospitality of Gaius (v. 5-6) and the hostility of Diotrephes (v. 9). Nothing is known of Diotrephes except that he belonged to the same church as Gaius (v. 9). Diotrephes had vaunted himself in the church, spoken against John, refused to receive the brethren and punished those who did (vv. 9-10). This report of good news and bad news prompted John to write a note of encouragement and instruction to Gaius.

The first purpose of the letter is to commend Gaius and encourage him in his practice of assisting the traveling brethren (vv. 5-8). Second, John announces his plans to confront Diotrephes in a near visit (vv. 9-11). Third, John wants to recommend Demetrius, a probable missionary and bearer of the letter (v. 12).

John begins by declaring his love for Gaius in the truth (1:1). He follows this with a commendation of Gaius, a condemnation of Diotrephes, and a contrasting recommendation of Demetrius.

The commendation of Gaius (vv. 2-8) begins with a prayerful expression of John's joy caused by the report of Gaius' walk in the truth (vv. 2-4). He then commends Gaius for helping the traveling brethren (vv. 5-8) and encourages him to continue this practice in view of their dependence upon Christians for assistance (vv. 6-8).

The condemnation of Diotrephes (vv. 9-11) is prompted by his evil character and behavior (v. 9). On his visit, John intends to confront him about his hostility, his rejection of the brethren and his punishment of those who helped the missionaries (v. 10). This also prompts John to urge Gaius to avoid such evil practice (v. 11).

Finally, John recommends Demetrius as a brother with a good testimony (v. 12). He is obviously meant to be contrasted with the evil Diotrephes. John closes with a mention of his coming visit, a benediction, and greetings (vv. 13-14). His letter should encourage Gaius to continue in good works and warn Diotrephes of further rebuke.

1. The Introduction 1

   1. The writer 1a
   2. The reader 1b
2. The Commendation of Gaius 2-8

   1. The prayerful commendation of his truthfulness 2-4

      1. The prayer for his prosperity 2
      2. The reason for the prayer 3-4
      1. The testimony of the brethren about Gaius 3
      2. The joy of the apostle for his children 4
   2. The commendation of his conduct in helping missionaries 5-8

      1. The commendation for his helping them 5
      2. The suggestion to continue helping them 6
      3. The obligation to help them 7-8
      1. The reason for helping them 7
      2. The consequence of helping them 8
3. The Condemnation of Diotrephes 9-11

   1. The result of his evil character 9
   2. The reminder of his evil conduct 10
   3. The caution about his evil example 11
4. The Contrast of Demetrius 12
5. The Conclusion 13-14

   1. The explanation about the letter 13-14a
   2. The benediction 14b
   3. The greetings 14c