Page 133 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Recipient

Third John identifies Gaius as its recipient. There are multiple people named Gaius in the New
Testament (Acts 19:29; 1 Cor 1:14), but it was a common name, and the Gaius of 3 John cannot clearly
be identified with any of them. If the Apostle John wrote the letter, it is likely that Gaius was part of a
church community in Asia Minor, where John lived in his later life.

Occasion

There seems to be some kind of power struggle in the church. A man named Diotrephes has tried to
take control, while others such as Gaius are walking in the truth (3 John 4). John, who clearly has some
kind of authority over this community, is attempting to straighten out the issue from afar. John also
rebukes Diotrephes for refusing to acknowledge his authority or to welcome his fellow ministers (9–10).
In response to this situation, John has sent a man named Demetrius to represent him (12), but the letter
says that John might come himself (10).

Structure

Third John includes: introduction (1–4), body (5–12), and conclusion (13–14). The body includes John’s
instructions for Gaius to welcome missionaries visiting the community (5–8); John’s criticism of
Diotrephes, whose selfishness and desire for control implicate him in evil (9–11); and John’s
recommendation of Demetrius, who probably was the letter’s carrier (12). John closes by expressing his
hope that he and Gaius can soon speak face-to-face (13–14).

Outline
• Greeting (1–4)
• Gaius is instructed (5–8)
• Diotrephes is criticized (9–11)
• Demetrius is recommended (12)
• Conclusion (13–15)

Themes

Third John focuses on love and hospitality: Gaius is encouraged to give a warm welcome to the
missionaries, who are strangers to him but who are doing good work. His actions should be the opposite
of Diotrephes, who not only refuses to help the travelers, but also insults and opposes those who
disagree with him, including John.

3 John also focuses on the nature of church leadership. Diotrephes wants to be in control. He rejects
others’ authority and spreads lies about them. People like Diotrephes, who want to do battle with
anyone who might challenge them, do not exhibit the self-sacrificial love that church leadership
requires. John, on the other hand, provides a better model. He encourages Gaius to exercise hospitality
and warns him to steer clear of Diotrephes and his arrogant ways. He clearly loves Gaius and gains joy
from hearing that he is living out the truth (4). 176

176 Barry, J. D., et al.
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