3 John 1
14 verses
The elder writes to Gaius, whom he loves in truth, rejoicing that Gaius walks in the truth—a phrase emphasizing steadfast adherence to Christian faith and practice despite cultural pressures. Gaius is commended for his hospitality toward the brothers and sisters, especially strangers who have journeyed on behalf of the Name of Christ, demonstrating practical support for missionary work. Diotrephes, by contrast, loves to be first (philoprōteuōn), refuses to acknowledge John's apostolic authority, and actively prevents members from welcoming the brothers while removing those who do so from the community. This pattern reveals the danger of authoritarian leadership that prioritizes personal prominence over the common good and fractures community unity through coercive control. The elder's plan to address these issues directly upon visiting establishes the importance of face-to-face accountability in pastoral ministry. Demetrius, by contrast, receives commendation from all, his reputation for godliness and good works preceding him; the elder urges Gaius not to imitate evil but good, to follow the model of Demetrius and refuse the pattern of Diotrephes.
VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER
1
The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
0 3Open verse page →
I'm a physician, and I was taught that bodily health is secondary - what really matters is spiritual health. The body is...
2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
2 7Open verse page →
3
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
0 7Open verse page →
God is faithful in every circumstance. The contrast between human weakness and divine strength is so vivid in this passa...
4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
2 2Open verse page →
God is faithful in every circumstance. There's something deeply comforting about knowing that the same God who spoke the...
5
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
3 7Open verse page →
The promise here is not conditional on our strength but on His character. What a reminder that God's ways are not our wa...
6
Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
1 6Open verse page →
God is faithful in every circumstance. Reading the Psalms alongside this gives a fuller picture of what the author was e...
7
Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
2 4Open verse page →
The thread of covenant runs through every book of the Bible. What a reminder that God's ways are not our ways. We bring ...
8
We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
3 6Open verse page →
God is faithful in every circumstance. God is faithful in every circumstance. God is faithful in every circumstance. God...
9
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
5 10Open verse page →
God is faithful in every circumstance. His timing, His methods, His purposes - all beyond our comprehension, yet perfect...
10
Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
3 7Open verse page →
I'm a recovering addict, and one of the hardest parts is learning to model myself after healthy people instead of the ch...
11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
1 8Open verse page →
My grandmother used to quote this verse every morning. God is faithful in every circumstance. Today it speaks comfort; a...
12
Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
2 5Open verse page →
God is faithful in every circumstance. God is faithful in every circumstance. Faith isn't the absence of doubt - it's ch...
13
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
1 6Open verse page →
God is faithful in every circumstance. Following God is costly, but the reward is eternal. It implies covenant loyalty, ...
14
But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
3 3Open verse page →
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
No notes on this chapter yet. Be the first to write one!