Bullet Point Bible

Salutation and Commendation of Gaius

¹ From the elder, to Gaius my dear brother, whom I love in truth.² Dear friend, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.³ For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, just as you are living according to the truth.⁴ I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are living according to the truth.⁵ Dear friend, you demonstrate faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers).⁶ They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.⁷ For they have gone forth on behalf of "The Name," accepting nothing from the pagans.⁸ Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we become coworkers in cooperation with the truth.

The author identifies himself simply as "the elder," suggesting familiarity and authority recognized by the recipient, likely the Apostle John.
Gaius is addressed with affection ("dear brother," "whom I love in truth"), highlighting the personal nature of the letter and the importance of genuine Christian love.
The connection between physical well-being and spiritual health ("soul") is noted in the opening prayer (3 John 1:2), reflecting a holistic view of human flourishing.
"Truth" is a central theme, mentioned multiple times (vv. 1, 3, 4, 8, 12), referring both to doctrinal accuracy and living authentically according to God's revelation in Christ.
John expresses profound joy ("no greater joy") in hearing that his spiritual "children" (those he influenced) are walking faithfully in the truth (3 John 1:4).
Gaius is commended for his practical faithfulness, specifically his hospitality towards traveling Christian missionaries ("brothers," "strangers").
Supporting these missionaries ("send them on their way in a manner worthy of God") was crucial for the expansion of the early church, as they relied on such hospitality.
These missionaries traveled "on behalf of 'The Name'" (a reverent way of referring to Jesus Christ) and refused support from non-believers ("pagans") to maintain the integrity of their mission.
Providing hospitality and support makes believers "coworkers in the truth," actively participating in the gospel ministry alongside those who travel.
This section establishes Gaius as a model of Christian love, faithfulness, and support for the ministry, contrasting with Diotrephes later in the letter.

Condemnation of Diotrephes and Commendation of Demetrius

⁹ I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not acknowledge us.¹⁰ Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing -the bringing of unjustified charges against us with evil words! And not being content with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but hinders the people who want to do so and throws them out of the church!¹¹ Dear friend, do not imitate what is bad but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does what is bad has not seen God.¹² Demetrius has been testified to by all, even by the truth itself. We also testify to him, and you know that our testimony is true.

John reveals a conflict within the church involving Diotrephes, whose primary sin is pride ("loves to be first").
Diotrephes rejected the elder's authority ("does not acknowledge us") and likely suppressed a previous letter John sent to the church.
His actions included slander ("prattling against us with evil words"), refusing hospitality to legitimate Christian workers, and actively hindering others from offering support, even excommunicating them.
This highlights the dangers of autocratic leadership and resistance to apostolic teaching within the early church.
John plans a personal visit to confront Diotrephes directly ("if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doing").
The exhortation "do not imitate what is evil, but what is good" (3 John 1:11) draws a sharp contrast between Diotrephes and Gaius/Demetrius.
Ethical behavior is linked directly to one's relationship with God: doing good indicates being "of God," while doing evil suggests a lack of true knowledge or relationship with God ("has not seen God").
Demetrius serves as another positive example, receiving a threefold commendation: from everyone, from the truth itself (his life aligns with it), and from the elder (apostolic endorsement).
The contrast between Diotrephes and Demetrius provides clear examples of behavior to avoid and behavior to emulate.

Closing Remarks and Farewell

¹³ I have many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink.¹⁴ But I hope to see you right away, and we will speak face to face.¹⁵ Peace be with you. The friends here greet you. Greet the friends there by name.

John expresses a preference for personal, face-to-face communication over writing, emphasizing the value of personal relationships in Christian fellowship and ministry.
The phrase "pen and ink" (Greek: *melanos kai kalamou*, literally "black [ink] and reed") refers to the common writing materials of the time.
The anticipation of an imminent visit ("hope to see you right away") underscores the urgency John felt regarding the situation with Diotrephes and his desire to encourage Gaius personally.
"Face to face" communication allows for nuance, immediate clarification, and deeper relational connection often lost in written correspondence.
The closing wish, "Peace be with you," is a standard blessing, carrying deep theological weight, invoking God's shalom (wholeness, well-being).
Mutual greetings are exchanged between John's circle ("The friends here") and Gaius's circle ("the friends there"), reinforcing the network of Christian fellowship.
The instruction to greet specific individuals "by name" adds a personal touch, showing the elder's care for individual members of the community, even those he may not have listed specifically in the short letter.

The Bullet Point Bible

3 John 1