The Third Letter of John

Personal and Doctrinal Problems

This is a letter of encouragement that deals with the problems of individuals. Above all, it has to do with the life of a local Church in which communication has become difficult, probably because of the appearance there of the Gnostic initiates, of whom we have already spoken in the Introduction to the First Letter of John. They were spreading false teachings, agitating Churches, and destroying the true Gospel.

Let us review the situation. Diotrephes, head of a local Church and probably involved in the new Gnostic currents of thought, has refused to communicate with the “Presbyter,” who is certainly a witness of Jesus and in charge of all the Churches of the region; in all likelihood, he is John the Apostle. The man locally in charge rejects the itinerant missionaries, whose task it was to proclaim the Gospel and establish and develop Churches.

However, in this community there is a steadfast man, Gaius, who must be supported in his behavior and his undertakings; he is a man who courageously receives and supports the missionaries.

A third person comes on the scene: Demetrius, who likewise deserves to be supported and encouraged.

This Letter was written about the same time as the other two Letters of John.

The Third Letter of John may be divided as follows:

Salutation (1-2)

Commendation of Gaius (3-8)

Condemnation of Diotrephes (9-10)

Exhortation to Gaius (11)

Example of Demetrius (12)

Conclusion (13-15)