The Book of 3 John is one of the shortest letters in the New Testament, yet it carries powerful messages about Christian living, hospitality, and leadership in the early church. It is addressed to a man named Gaius, and it deals with issues such as love, truth, and the proper treatment of fellow believers. But who wrote this brief but significant letter, and why is it important?
In this article, we will explore the authorship of 3 John in detail. We will also discuss the context of the letter and its message, providing a comprehensive understanding of why this book is included in the New Testament and who wrote it. The question of who wrote 3 John has been the subject of much discussion over the centuries. Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
The Authorship of 3 John
The authorship of 3 John has traditionally been attributed to the Apostle John, the same person who wrote the Gospel of John and the other two epistles in the New Testament—1 John and 2 John. Most scholars and early Christian writers agree that the Apostle John is the author of 3 John. This view is supported by internal evidence from the text, the early church fathers, and historical tradition.
Evidence from the Text
The most direct evidence supporting the claim that John wrote 3 John comes from the opening verse of the letter itself. The letter begins with the words, “The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth” (3 John 1:1). The term “the elder” was a common way that the Apostle John referred to himself in his later years. It is used in the introduction of 2 John as well, and it seems to be John’s preferred way of identifying himself in his later writings.
While “the elder” could refer to any older leader in the church, the use of this term in both 2 John and 3 John is consistent with the apostle’s writing style and his position as a prominent leader in the early church. Additionally, the content of the letter reflects themes and ideas found in John’s other writings. The emphasis on truth, love, and fellowship between believers is a hallmark of John’s writing.
Historical Evidence from Early Church Fathers
Early church writers also support the traditional attribution of 3 John to the Apostle John. The most notable early church father to confirm this attribution was Irenaeus, a bishop in the second century. In his writings, Irenaeus refers to the Apostle John as the author of both 1, 2, and 3 John, as well as the Gospel of John. His testimony is significant because Irenaeus was a disciple of Polycarp, who was, in turn, a disciple of the Apostle John. This connection provides a reliable chain of testimony confirming the authorship of 3 John by John the Apostle.
Other early church fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian, also support the idea that the Apostle John wrote the book. Their writings affirm that John’s influence and leadership were deeply felt in the early church, and his letters were valued for their theological depth and practical wisdom.
The Internal Consistency with the Gospel and Other Epistles of John
The themes and style of 3 John are consistent with the Gospel of John and the other two epistles written by John. For example, the emphasis on truth and love in 3 John echoes major themes in John’s Gospel. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” and in John 13:34-35, He commands His followers to love one another. These same themes are present in 3 John, where John commends Gaius for walking in the truth (3 John 1:3-4) and encourages him to continue showing hospitality and love to traveling missionaries (3 John 1:5-8).
Additionally, 3 John shares similarities with 1 John, particularly in its tone and vocabulary. Both letters stress the importance of living out one’s faith in practical ways, particularly in how Christians should treat one another. The letter of 3 John, like 1 John, emphasizes the idea of walking in truth and love.
Who Was Gaius?
To better understand the context of 3 John, it’s important to know who Gaius was. The letter is addressed to a man named Gaius, who is described as “beloved” and someone who “prospers in good health” (3 John 1:2). Gaius is praised for his faithfulness and hospitality, particularly in his treatment of traveling missionaries. These missionaries were likely itinerant preachers or teachers who depended on the hospitality of local believers for their sustenance and support.
While the identity of Gaius is not completely clear, there are several possibilities. The name Gaius was fairly common in the Roman world, and there are several other individuals with the same name mentioned in the New Testament. One Gaius is mentioned in Acts 19:29, another in Romans 16:23, and a third in 1 Corinthians 1:14. However, it is uncertain if any of these individuals are the same as the Gaius in 3 John.
What is clear, however, is that Gaius was a respected member of the Christian community, known for his faithfulness and hospitality. John’s letter affirms Gaius’ role as a leader in the church, encouraging him to continue his good work and to resist the influence of those who sought to undermine the truth.
The Themes of 3 John
Though short, 3 John touches on several key themes that are central to Christian living. These themes include truth, love, hospitality, and the dangers of false leadership.
The Importance of Truth
One of the most important themes in 3 John is the idea of walking in the truth. In 3 John 1:3-4, John rejoices to hear that Gaius is living according to the truth and walking in love. This is a theme that John often returns to in his writings, as he consistently emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God’s truth.
Truth is not just a set of facts for John; it is something that must be lived out in everyday life. It involves faithfulness to God’s commands, living in love, and supporting those who are proclaiming the truth to others. Gaius’ example of walking in the truth is presented as a model for all believers.
The Role of Love and Hospitality
Another central theme in 3 John is the importance of love, especially as it is expressed in hospitality. John commends Gaius for welcoming traveling missionaries and for providing them with material support (3 John 1:5-8). This hospitality is not only an act of kindness but also an expression of love for the truth and for the work of the gospel.
In contrast to the positive example of Gaius, John also warns about a man named Diotrephes, who refuses to welcome the missionaries and seeks to exert control over the church (3 John 1:9-10). Diotrephes is an example of a leader who does not follow the truth and who refuses to support the spread of the gospel. This contrast highlights the importance of supporting the work of the kingdom through love and hospitality.
The Dangers of False Leadership
The letter also warns against false leadership and the dangers of pride and self-centeredness. Diotrephes is rebuked for his arrogance and for rejecting the authority of the apostle John. His behavior serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of divisiveness and pride in the church.
In contrast to Diotrephes, John commends Demetrius, who is likely another missionary or leader in the church, for his good testimony and reputation (3 John 1:12). Demetrius serves as an example of faithful leadership, one who lives in accordance with the truth and is worthy of support.
Why 3 John Matters Today
Even though 3 John is one of the shortest books in the Bible, its message is timeless and highly relevant for Christians today. The letter teaches us about the importance of walking in the truth, showing love and hospitality to others, and supporting those who are proclaiming the gospel. It also serves as a reminder to beware of false leadership and to choose leaders who are humble and faithful to the truth.
In a world that often prioritizes self-interest and division, the message of 3 John calls Christians to live lives that reflect the love, truth, and humility of Christ.
Conclusion
The authorship of 3 John has long been attributed to the Apostle John, and the evidence from the text, early church fathers, and historical context all support this view. John wrote the letter to commend Gaius for his faithfulness, to warn against the dangers of false leadership, and to encourage believers to support the spread of the gospel. The themes of truth, love, hospitality, and humility are just as relevant today as they were in the early church, and 3 John continues to serve as a powerful reminder of how Christians are called to live.
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