In this series we offer brief introductions to the books of the Bible, including background, authorship, content, and application to the lives of today’s Christians.
The author is “the elder,” (1:1) the last living apostle. He wrote from Ephesus (A.D. 85-95) to “the beloved Gaius,” leader of a church under John’s authority. This shortest book in the Bible is long on love’s relation to “the truth.”
As Pilate famously dithered over the fate of Jesus, he asked: “What is truth?” Blinded by unbelief, he could not see “the truth” before him. Truth was relative to him, an abstract that cannot be known absolutely.
John knew “the truth” absolutely. In his third letter, the word truth is found six times. No wonder! His Gospel is all about “The Truth”: The eternal “Word . . . became flesh and dwelt among us . . .full of grace and truth . . . grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:14-17) John 14:6 has Jesus’ words: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
As in John’s first two letters, the third shows that when “the truth” is believed, it produces works of love in those who are “of the truth.” This letter is short but sweet for Gaius, whom John loved “in the truth.” (verse 1)
He prays that Gaius’ bodily life may go well, just as his soul was well. John knew that Gaius’ soul was on the wellness path—“walking in the truth,” faithful to Christ’s Word—since “the brothers” spoke of his “truth.” John had “no greater joy” than to “hear” that his spiritual “children” were “walking in the truth.” (verses 2-4) So too, every faithful pastor rejoices to hear that those he has served in Christ are walking in the truth to eternal life!
The “brothers” also told of Gaius’ “love before the church.” (verse 6) Music to John’s ears, love’s harmonious note! For Gaius not only talked the truth; he walked it in love!
Gaius is praised for his “faithful” work “for these brothers” in the faith though “strangers” to his face. (verse 5) They went out to “Gentiles” as witnesses “for the sake of” Christ’s “name,” accepting no help from the heathen, but freely giving what they had freely received! John encourages Gaius to care for them in a “manner worthy of God.” (verse 6)
John also speaks to us when “brethren,” yet “strangers” to us, go out “for the sake of” Christ’s name.” Think of the ILC Tour Choir, Traveling VBS, and Mission Helpers. John says, “We ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” (verse 8)
Diotrephes was no “fellow worker”! Puffed-up with self-importance, he put down the authority of the Apostle and Gaius with slander, did not welcome “the brothers,” and “stopped” those who did by putting them out of the church. (verse 10) John would deal with him out of love for the truth, “the brothers,” and the church. Meanwhile, Gaius is not to “imitate evil,” but continue doing good. For “whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” (verses 9-11)
Demetrius was doing good, as reported by everyone in Ephesus, by “the truth itself,” and by John. “Our testimony is true,” John adds, as Gaius knew. If Demetrius delivered the letter, Gaius and his church could trust and receive him, although a stranger. (verse 13)
John could write more, but would rather speak face-to-face, hoping to visit soon. He blesses Gaius: “Peace be to you.” Then, love glows again: “The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.” (verses 14-15) To this very day we write this way to those and of those who love one another “in the truth.”
Read 3 John. Be encouraged in the love of the Truth and the way of Truth’s love by “the elder” whom Jesus loved.
As in John’s first two letters, the third shows that when “the truth” is believed, it produces works of love in those who are “of the truth.”
is a retired pastor. He lives in West Columbia, South Carolina.