Author: The apostle John according to church tradition. The author is identified only as “the elder” (1:1).
Date: Approximately AD 92.
In Ten Words or Less: Church leaders must be humble, not proud.
Details: Addressed to a believer named Gaius, 3 John praises those (like Gaius and another Christian named Demetrius) who lead in “charity before the church” (1:6). But 3 John also has harsh words for Christians like Diotrophes, “who loveth to have the preeminence” (1:9) and refuse to show kindness and hospitality to traveling evangelists.
From Know Your Bible, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
What to Do When You’re in an Unhealthy Church
John the Apostle is writing to a friend who finds himself in a church with a corrupt leader. That situation has been played over and over again throughout the history of the church. John encourages his friend to continue to be faithful, and God will bless. Join us as John reveals to us what faithfulness looks like.
