1The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6Which 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:
7Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10Wherefore, 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.
11Beloved, 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.
12Demetrius 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.
13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14But 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.
Understand This
3 John 1, explained
What 3 John 1 is saying
The elder writes to his beloved Gaius, commending his faithfulness and hospitality toward itinerant missionaries who 'went out for the sake of the Name.' In contrast, Diotrephes is censured for loving preeminence (philoprōteuōn), refusing the elder's authority, spreading malicious accusations, and excommunicating those who welcome the missionaries. Demetrius receives commendation from all and from the truth itself. The letter models the Johannine test: imitate good, not evil.
The background behind it
This personal letter reveals the ecclesiastical politics of the early church, where house-church networks and itinerant ministry created complex authority dynamics. Diotrephes may represent an emerging form of monarchical episcopacy in conflict with the older charismatic-apostolic authority represented by the elder. The 'Name' (onoma) likely refers to Christ, for whose sake the missionaries received no support from Gentiles.
Themes running underneath
The brief letter crystallizes the Johannine ethical test: 'the one who does good is from God; the one who does evil has not seen God.' The contrast between Gaius's generous hospitality and Diotrephes's self-aggrandizing exclusion illustrates how character reveals spiritual reality. Support for gospel workers is framed as partnership (synergoi) in the truth.
Why it still matters
Church leadership that prioritizes personal status over the community's mission and excludes those who serve Christ is condemned in the strongest terms. The letter provides a model for navigating institutional conflict while maintaining faithfulness and generosity.
Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.