3 John 1 explained: Welcome the Travelers, Not the Gatekeeper

Greeting and good wishes (vv. 1-4)

The writer calls himself simply "the elder." Church tradition identifies him as the apostle John, though scholars still debate who he was. He wishes Gaius good health and says nothing makes him happier than hearing that the people in his care, his "children," are living by the truth.

Hosting traveling teachers (vv. 5-8)

Gaius had given lodging and care to traveling Christian teachers who were strangers to him, and they told the elder's church about his kindness. Because these teachers accepted no support from non-believers, the elder asks Gaius to send them on their way well provided for, which makes him a partner in their work.

Diotrephes blocks the door (vv. 9-10)

A church leader named Diotrephes, who liked being first, ignored an earlier letter from the elder, spread malicious talk about him, refused to host the travelers, and put out of the church those who tried to. The elder plans to raise this when he visits; what lay behind the conflict, whether personal ambition or a deeper dispute, is not known.

Follow the good example (vv. 11-12)

The elder urges Gaius to copy what is good, saying that how people act shows whether they truly know God. Demetrius, whom many scholars think carried this letter, is vouched for by everyone who knows him and by the elder himself.

Closing and greetings (vv. 13-15)

The elder has more to say but would rather talk face to face soon. He ends with a wish of peace, greetings from friends where he is, and a request that Gaius greet each friend there by name.

Key verse: 3 John 1:11

Something to think about

When someone arrives as a stranger, what makes you more or less willing to open your door to them?