Book of 3 John — New World Translation Study Guide

Testament: 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.

The book of 3 John is part of the Christian Greek Scriptures and contains 1 chapters. It was written by John (apostle) approximately c. AD 85–95. The central theme running throughout 3 John is hospitality & faithfulness — a foundational message for Jehovah's people as they pursue pure worship and grow in knowledge of Jehovah's purposes.

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:

  1. What does John's commendation of Gaius for welcoming traveling missionaries teach about the importance of hospitality in supporting the preaching work?
  2. 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?
  3. What does 'walking in truth' (verses 3–4) mean practically, and why does John say this gives him greater joy than anything else?
  4. 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?
  5. What does this short letter teach about the practical ways we can support those who are 'working in behalf of the name' (verse 7)?

How to Study 3 John with JW Study

JW Study is a free Bible reading tracker built for Jehovah's Witnesses. Track your progress through all 1 chapters of 3 John in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters, take personal study notes, 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.

Consider reading 3 John as part of your personal study routine, family worship night, or alongside the weekly meeting schedule. Taking notes on each chapter helps you retain key points and apply the lessons in your ministry.

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)
  • New Testament 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 just 90 days — the ultimate reading challenge for dedicated readers. (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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