Title and Author: The book of 3 John is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, also known as John the Evangelist. The title "3 John" indicates that it is the third epistle or letter attributed to John in the New Testament. The author identifies himself as "the elder" (3 John 1:1), a term that suggests both age and authority within the early Christian community.

Historical Context: 3 John was likely written toward the end of the first century A.D., around 85-95 A.D. This was a time when the early church was facing internal challenges, including issues of authority and hospitality. The Roman Empire was still the dominant power, and Christianity was spreading, albeit amidst persecution and doctrinal disputes.

Audience: The letter is addressed to a man named Gaius, a beloved member of the early Christian community. Gaius is commended for his faithfulness and hospitality, suggesting he was a leader or influential figure within his local church.

Purpose: The primary purpose of 3 John is to commend Gaius for his hospitality and to address issues concerning Diotrephes, a church leader who was acting in a domineering and unchristian manner. John writes to encourage Gaius and to warn against the negative influence of Diotrephes.

Genre and Style: 3 John is an epistle, characterized by its personal and direct style. It is the shortest book in the New Testament, focusing on practical issues within the church.1. The Elder (3 John 1:1)
- The author of the letter, traditionally understood to be the Apostle John. He refers to himself as "The Elder," indicating his position of authority and respect within the early Christian community.

2. Gaius (3 John 1:1)
- The recipient of the letter. Gaius is commended by John for his faithfulness and hospitality towards fellow believers and traveling missionaries. John expresses his love and appreciation for Gaius's commitment to the truth.

3. Diotrephes (3 John 1:9)
- A leader in the church who is criticized by John for his pride and refusal to welcome the traveling missionaries. Diotrephes is described as someone who "loves to be first" and does not acknowledge John's authority.

4. Demetrius (3 John 1:12)
- A believer who is well spoken of by everyone, including John. Demetrius is likely a traveling missionary or a member of the church who is commended for his good testimony and adherence to the truth.1. John's Place of Writing
While the book does not specify the location from which John is writing, it is likely that John is writing from Ephesus, as this was his primary base during his later years. Here, he wrote this personal letter addressing Gaius.

2. The Church Gaius Attended
Gaius, the recipient of the letter, is commended for his faithfulness and hospitality to traveling believers. The exact location of Gaius’s church is unspecified, but it reflects the early Christian community’s structure, possibly in Asia Minor.

3. The Region or Church Associated with Diotrephes
Diotrephes, mentioned in 3 John 1:9-10, is criticized for rejecting John's authority and failing to welcome other believers. This could be within the same broader region as Gaius, highlighting a divided leadership within the same network of churches.

4. The Homes of Traveling Missionaries
John praises Gaius for his hospitality to traveling teachers or missionaries who spread the gospel. These missionaries would have visited several locations, often relying on hosts like Gaius for lodging and support.

5. The Church Demetrius Is Associated With
Demetrius is mentioned as someone with a good reputation (3 John 1:12). His connection with Gaius and possibly John implies his activity in a nearby Christian community, again likely in the Asia Minor region.

6. The Place Where John Plans to Visit
In 3 John 1:14, John expresses his intention to visit Gaius soon to speak face-to-face. This anticipated meeting suggests John’s movement through early Christian networks, possibly traveling from Ephesus to Gaius’s location.1. Greeting and Address to Gaius (3 John 1:1-2):
The letter begins with a greeting from "the elder," traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, to a beloved friend named Gaius. John expresses his love for Gaius and wishes him good health and prosperity, both physically and spiritually.

2. Commendation of Gaius's Faithfulness (3 John 1:3-4):
John rejoices upon hearing from others about Gaius's faithfulness to the truth. He expresses his joy in knowing that Gaius is walking in the truth, which is a source of great happiness for John.

3. Praise for Gaius's Hospitality (3 John 1:5-8):
John commends Gaius for his hospitality towards traveling missionaries and strangers. He encourages Gaius to continue supporting such individuals, as they are working for the sake of the Name (of Jesus) and do not accept help from non-believers.

4. Criticism of Diotrephes (3 John 1:9-10):
John addresses the issue of Diotrephes, a leader in the church who loves to be first and does not acknowledge John's authority. Diotrephes is accused of spreading malicious gossip, refusing to welcome the brothers, and hindering others who wish to do so.

5. Encouragement to Imitate Good (3 John 1:11):
John advises Gaius not to imitate what is evil but what is good, stating that "The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God."

6. Commendation of Demetrius (3 John 1:12):
John speaks highly of Demetrius, who is well spoken of by everyone and by the truth itself. John adds his own testimony to Demetrius's good character, affirming its truthfulness.

7. Conclusion and Final Greetings (3 John 1:13-14):
John concludes the letter by expressing his desire to visit Gaius in person to discuss matters further. He sends greetings from mutual friends and asks Gaius to greet the friends there by name.1. Truth and Walking in Truth (3 John 1:3-4)
- The theme of truth is central to 3 John. The author, John, expresses joy in hearing that his spiritual children are "walking in the truth." This emphasizes the importance of living according to the teachings of Christ and maintaining integrity in one's faith.

2. Hospitality and Support for Fellow Believers (3 John 1:5-8)
- John commends Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries. This theme highlights the importance of showing love and support to fellow believers, especially those who are spreading the Gospel. It underscores the communal aspect of the Christian faith.

3. Imitation of Good (3 John 1:11)
- John encourages believers to imitate what is good, rather than what is evil. This theme stresses the importance of following positive examples and living a life that reflects Christian virtues.

4. Authority and Leadership in the Church (3 John 1:9-10)
- The letter addresses issues of authority and leadership within the church, particularly through the negative example of Diotrephes, who loves to be first and does not acknowledge John's authority. This theme explores the challenges of leadership and the need for humility and cooperation within the church community.

5. Testimony and Reputation (3 John 1:12)
- John speaks of Demetrius, who has a good testimony from everyone. This theme highlights the significance of having a positive reputation and being well-regarded by others, both within and outside the church.1. The Truth (3 John 1:3-4)
- In 3 John, the concept of "the truth" is central. While Jesus is not directly called "the Truth" in this letter, the emphasis on walking in the truth reflects Jesus' own declaration in the Gospel of John: "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). The joy expressed by the author when his children walk in the truth (3 John 1:4) underscores the importance of living according to Jesus' teachings.

2. The Source of Hospitality and Love (3 John 1:5-8)
- The letter commends Gaius for his hospitality and support of fellow believers and itinerant teachers. This reflects the love and service that Jesus exemplified and taught. While not a direct title, Jesus as the source of love and hospitality is implied through the actions encouraged by the author.

3. The Model of Goodness (3 John 1:11)
- The author advises, "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God" (3 John 1:11). Jesus is the ultimate model of goodness, and this exhortation to imitate good aligns with following Jesus' example.

While 3 John does not explicitly name Jesus with specific titles, the themes of truth, love, hospitality, and goodness are reflective of His character and teachings. The letter encourages believers to embody these qualities, which are central to the life and mission of Jesus.

1. A Greeting from the Elder  ( 1:1⁠–⁠4 )

2. Gaius Commended for Hospitality: Love One Another  ( 1:5⁠–⁠8 )

3. Diotrephes and Demetrius: Beware Deceivers  ( 1:9⁠–⁠11 )

a. Diotrephes the Slanderer  ( 1:9⁠–⁠11 )

b. Demetrius the True  ( 1:12 )

4. Conclusion  ( 1:13⁠–⁠14 )