The Book of 3 John
The New Testament's shortest book, contrasting hospitality with pride.
Addressed personally to a man named Gaius, Third John is the shortest book in the New Testament by verse count, commending Gaius for his generous hospitality toward traveling missionaries while contrasting him with the domineering Diotrephes, who refused to welcome them at all. Read it in full at 3 John chapter 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.