I. What is the Book of 3 John?
The Book of 3 John is a short epistle found in the New Testament of the Bible. It is the third and final letter written by the apostle John, following his letters to the church in Ephesus and the church in Smyrna. The letter is addressed to a man named Gaius and is believed to have been written around 90-95 AD.
The Book of 3 John is one of the shortest books in the Bible, consisting of only 14 verses. Despite its brevity, it contains important teachings and insights for the early Christian church. The letter focuses on the themes of hospitality, truth, and the importance of supporting fellow believers in their ministry.
II. Who is the Author of 3 John?
The author of 3 John is traditionally believed to be the apostle John, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and the author of the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation. John was a prominent figure in the early Christian church and played a key role in spreading the message of Jesus Christ.
John refers to himself in 3 John as “the elder,” a term that may indicate his advanced age and respected position within the church. His authorship of the letter is supported by early church fathers and scholars, who attribute the letter to him based on its style and content.
III. What is the Purpose of 3 John?
The primary purpose of 3 John is to commend and encourage Gaius, a faithful believer, for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries. John praises Gaius for his generosity and urges him to continue his good work in helping those who are spreading the gospel.
In addition to commending Gaius, John also addresses the issue of Diotrephes, a church leader who is causing division and refusing to welcome traveling missionaries. John warns against Diotrephes’ behavior and encourages Gaius to stand firm in his faith and continue to support those who are doing God’s work.
Overall, the purpose of 3 John is to emphasize the importance of hospitality, truth, and unity within the Christian community. John’s letter serves as a reminder to believers to support one another in their ministry and to stand firm in the face of opposition.
IV. Who are the Characters in 3 John?
The main characters in 3 John are Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius. Gaius is a faithful believer who is commended by John for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries. He is portrayed as a generous and hospitable individual who is dedicated to serving God and helping others.
Diotrephes, on the other hand, is a church leader who is criticized by John for his pride, arrogance, and refusal to welcome traveling missionaries. He is portrayed as a divisive figure who is more concerned with his own status and power than with serving God and supporting his fellow believers.
Demetrius is mentioned briefly in 3 John as a man who has a good reputation among the believers. John speaks highly of Demetrius and encourages Gaius to welcome him and support him in his ministry.
These characters serve as examples of different attitudes and behaviors within the Christian community. Gaius represents hospitality and generosity, while Diotrephes represents pride and division. Demetrius, on the other hand, represents integrity and a good reputation among believers.
V. What are the Key Themes in 3 John?
Some of the key themes in 3 John include hospitality, truth, unity, and support for fellow believers. Hospitality is emphasized throughout the letter, as John commends Gaius for his generosity and encourages believers to welcome traveling missionaries and support them in their ministry.
Truth is another important theme in 3 John, as John warns against false teachings and encourages believers to stand firm in their faith. Unity is also emphasized, as John urges believers to support one another and work together for the sake of the gospel.
Support for fellow believers is a central theme in 3 John, as John praises Gaius for his support of traveling missionaries and warns against the divisive behavior of Diotrephes. The letter serves as a reminder to believers to stand firm in their faith, support one another, and work together to spread the message of Jesus Christ.
VI. How does 3 John relate to the rest of the New Testament?
3 John is closely related to the other letters written by the apostle John, including 1 John and 2 John. These letters share similar themes and teachings, such as the importance of love, truth, and obedience in the Christian life. They also emphasize the need for believers to support one another and stand firm in their faith.
In addition to its connection to John’s other letters, 3 John also relates to the broader themes of the New Testament, such as the importance of hospitality, unity, and support for fellow believers. The letter serves as a reminder to believers to live out their faith in practical ways, such as showing hospitality to others and supporting those who are spreading the gospel.
Overall, 3 John is a valuable and insightful letter that offers important teachings and encouragement for believers in the early Christian church and today. Its themes of hospitality, truth, unity, and support for fellow believers continue to be relevant and impactful for Christians around the world.