Book 25 of 27 in the New Testament — Hospitality.
3 John is a personal letter commending Gaius for his hospitality toward traveling teachers, in contrast to Diotrephes, a church leader who refused to welcome them and pushed out those who did. It offers a rare glimpse into a local leadership conflict in the early church and the importance placed on supporting itinerant gospel workers. John promises to address the situation further when he visits in person. Though brief, it illustrates both the value of hospitality and the danger of self-serving leadership.
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”King James Version
John prays that Gaius may enjoy good health as his soul prospers.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”King James Version
Nothing gives John greater joy than hearing his children walk in truth.
“Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;”King James Version
Gaius is commended for his faithful hospitality toward traveling believers.
“Beloved, 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.”King James Version
Believers are urged to imitate what is good, not what is evil.
“Demetrius 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.”King James Version
Demetrius is commended, spoken well of by everyone and by the truth itself.