Book of 3 John — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Christian Greek Scriptures · Chapters: 1 · Written by: John (apostle) · Approximate date: c. AD 85–95 · Theme: Hospitality & Faithfulness
Summary of the Book of 3 John
John commends Gaius for warmly welcoming traveling missionaries, rebukes the domineering Diotrephes who refuses them, and upholds Demetrius as a fine example of faithfulness and integrity in the congregation.
Why the Book of 3 John Matters Today
Third John commends Gaius for showing hospitality to traveling brothers and rebukes Diotrephes for refusing them and trying to dominate the congregation. For Witnesses today, especially those involved in circuit work or hosting visiting brothers, 3 John is the operational scriptural model. The contrast between Gaius (faithful host) and Diotrephes (proud and divisive overseer) sets out the two ways that an overseer can shape the congregation — service or self-promotion. Short and pointed, it remains one of the most personal and practical apostolic letters.
Key Verses in 3 John
- 3 John 1:4
- 3 John 1:11
Notable Passages in 3 John
3 John 1:4
John's declaration 'no greater joy do I have than to hear that my children go on walking in the truth' captures the deep satisfaction Jehovah and his servants feel when others live by his standards.
3 John 1:11
The principle 'the one who does good originates with God; the one who does bad has not seen God' identifies character and conduct as the clearest evidence of a genuine relationship with Jehovah.
3 John 1:7
The description of traveling missionaries as going out 'for the sake of his name' reminds every Jehovah's Witness that the preaching work is ultimately about vindicating and glorifying Jehovah's name.
Study Questions for 3 John
As you read the book of 3 John, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What does John's commendation of Gaius for welcoming traveling missionaries teach about the importance of hospitality in supporting the preaching work?
- How does John's rebuke of Diotrephes — who 'likes to have the first place' and refused to welcome the brothers — warn against pride and self-importance in the congregation?
- What does 'walking in truth' (verses 3–4) mean practically, and why does John say this gives him greater joy than anything else?
- How does Demetrius' positive example (verse 12) — 'witnessed to by all, yes by the truth itself' — describe the kind of reputation Jehovah's Witnesses should seek to build?
- What does this short letter teach about the practical ways we can support those who are 'working in behalf of the name' (verse 7)?
Frequently Asked Questions About 3 John
- Who wrote the book of 3 John?
- John the apostle wrote 3 John around 98 CE in Ephesus, contemporary with 1 John and 2 John.
- When was the book of 3 John written?
- Third John was written approximately 98 CE in Ephesus, addressed personally to Gaius — likely a respected member of a congregation John was overseeing from a distance.
- What is the main theme of 3 John?
- Third John commends hospitality toward traveling Christians (Gaius) and rebukes domineering, divisive overseers (Diotrephes), offering a working model of theocratic versus self-promoting leadership.
How to Study 3 John with JW Study
Track your progress through all 1 chapters of 3 John in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include 3 John
The book of 3 John is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Christian Greek Scriptures in 90 Days — Read all 27 books of the Christian Greek Scriptures in just 90 days. (90 days, 260 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
- Acts & the Letters in 60 Days — Follow the early Christian congregation through Acts, then study every letter through Revelation in 60 days. (60 days, 171 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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