3 John is a short personal letter from the apostle John to a believer named Gaius. It commends Gaius for his hospitality toward traveling missionaries and contrasts his behavior with that of Diotrephes, who rejected apostolic authority. The letter highlights the importance of supporting gospel workers and walking in truth.

• Hospitality: Welcoming and supporting those who serve the gospel is commendable.
• Truth and Integrity: Walking in truth brings joy and affirms spiritual health.
• Spiritual Leadership: Diotrephes is rebuked for pride and rejection of authority.
• Imitation of Good: Believers are called to follow godly examples, not evil ones.
• Encouragement: John affirms Gaius’s faithfulness and generosity.

• 3 John 1:4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
• 3 John 1:5–6: Gaius is praised for showing hospitality to traveling teachers.
• 3 John 1:9–10: Diotrephes is criticized for rejecting John’s authority and being unwelcoming.
• 3 John 1:11: “Do not imitate what is evil but what is good.”
• 3 John 1:12: Demetrius is commended as a faithful witness to the truth.

Since 3 John is a single chapter, focus on its three key characters: Gaius (faithful), Diotrephes (prideful), and Demetrius (commendable). Create a comparison chart of their traits. Reflect on how you support gospel work and how your leadership or hospitality reflects Christ. Memorize verse 11 as a guide for daily choices.