Background

The Apostle John, known for his deep love for Christ, writes 3 John as a personal letter to Gaius, a respected elder in the early church. This letter stands out for its intimate tone and practical concerns, continuing themes present in John’s earlier writings. While 1 John addresses the church broadly and 2 John warns against false teaching, 3 John hones in on church life and relationships, highlighting John’s desire for faithful leadership and strong community bonds within the church.

Key Themes

Love and Truth: John emphasises the interwoven nature of love and truth. Throughout the letter, he refers to Gaius as “beloved,” underscoring a profound sense of covenantal love rooted in Christ’s teachings. Love, in this context, is inseparable from truth, with John urging Gaius to uphold the truth of the gospel in both action and speech. This love is not merely affectionate but is action-oriented, driving believers to live with integrity and to support one another authentically.

Hospitality: one of the early church’s hallmarks, hospitality emerges as a crucial theme here. John commends Gaius for welcoming traveling ministers, an act that strengthens the unity and mission of the church. Such hospitality reflects God’s own nature and demonstrates that the Kingdom of God thrives on selfless community and generosity.

Spiritual Authority and Discipline: John addresses a challenging issue with Diotrephes, a leader causing division by refusing John’s authority and rejecting fellow believers. Here, we see John’s apostolic authority guiding the church to recognise and correct divisive behaviour. John’s handling of this situation is a model for spiritual discipline that aims for the church’s health and unity.

Peace: John’s closing words of peace take on added significance given the tensions surrounding Diotrephes. This “peace” embodies more than an absence of conflict. It represents spiritual wholeness, well-being, and God’s blessing. In biblical terms, peace (shalom) implies harmony with God and others, reflecting the church’s true nature in Christ.

The Message for Today

3 John reminds us of the essential need for truth and love in Christian relationships. Genuine faith manifests not only in doctrine but in actions that reflect Christ’s love and service, such as hospitality. The letter also speaks to the importance of spiritual integrity in leadership and the willingness to address divisive behaviour that threatens church unity. Today, these teachings encourage us to prioritise community, peace, and genuine love in our own lives and in the church.

The Different Kingdom Lens

This letter provides a Kingdom perspective on relationships, service, and integrity. Hospitality reflects God’s Kingdom—a community where all are valued and supported. Discipline, meanwhile, is seen as a restorative act, guiding the church toward maturity and health as the bride of Christ. Through these principles, 3 John offers a glimpse of Kingdom life where love, truth, and peace are central, encouraging believers to live out these values as ambassadors of God’s covenant on earth.