Coming to Life: 3 John

The Book of 3rd John, the shortest in the Bible with just 219 words in Greek, emphasizes that length doesn’t determine the importance of scripture. Though brief, it holds significant spiritual lessons, just like all other books inspired by the Holy Spirit. While the author identifies himself as “the elder,” early church history attributes it to the Apostle John, who also wrote the Gospel of John, 1st John, 2nd John, and Revelation. Written around 95 AD, likely after John’s release from exile on Patmos, this letter is addressed to Gaius, a faithful leader of a church in Asia Minor, commending his dedication to truth and faithfulness.

John’s letter to Gaius addresses a conflict involving a prideful church member named Diotrephes, who refused to offer hospitality to traveling apostles, opposed John’s teachings, and excommunicated those who showed kindness to the apostles. John writes to remind Gaius and his church to remain steadfast in the truth and to continue offering fellowship and hospitality. He encourages unity and cooperation in the work of spreading the truth, expressing his joy at hearing that his “children” are walking in the truth. This message serves as a reminder to handle church conflicts with grace and to work together for the sake of the gospel.

I hope the information shared today helps you grasp how interesting the Bible is so that you develop a passion for reading it. I pray that as you dig into Scripture, God speaks to you in exciting new ways and your Spirit begins coming to life.