3 John 1
King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context
About this chapter
AI-assisted, sourcedThe elder writes to Gaius, rejoicing that he walks in the truth and praising him for receiving travelling brethren who "went forth" for the Lord's name, "taking nothing of the Gentiles." He warns about Diotrephes, "who loveth to have the preeminence," refuses the elder and casts believers out of the church, and he commends Demetrius. 3 John 1:13 John 1:33 John 1:53 John 1:73 John 1:93 John 1:103 John 1:12
Who, where, when, and the key verses
Who
"The elder" writes to "the wellbeloved Gaius." The letter also names Diotrephes, who "receiveth us not," and Demetrius, who "hath good report of all men." 3 John 1:13 John 1:93 John 1:123 John overview
Where
The letter names no place. Gaius belonged to a church the elder had written to before. 3 John 1:93 John overview
When
Traditionally about AD 85-95, around the same time as 1 and 2 John. Most scholars also place it in the late first century. 3 John overview
How it fits
This is a one-chapter letter. Like 2 John, it ends with the elder hoping to come and "speak face to face" rather than write "with ink and pen." 3 John 1:133 John 1:142 John 1:12
Key verses
- Verse 4
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:43 John 1:3
- Verse 8
"We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth." Helping those who carry the gospel is sharing in the work. 3 John 1:73 John 1:8
- Verse 11
"Follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God," set right after the example of Diotrephes and before the good report of Demetrius. 3 John 1:103 John 1:113 John 1:12
Takeaway
Support those who work for the truth, and beware of loving the first place; "he that doeth good is of God." 3 John 1:83 John 1:93 John 1:11
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-10-29.
Joy that Gaius walks in truth
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.
Receiving the travelling brethren
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.
The problem of Diotrephes
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.
Follow the good; Demetrius commended
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.
Hoping to visit
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.