3 John Chapters - ASV 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.
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.