I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3 John 1:4 KJV
About the Book of 3 John
A personal note to Gaius, a church member praised for generously hosting travelling teachers. John warns about Diotrephes, a leader who loves to be first, refuses to welcome John's messengers, and expels those who do. Demetrius is commended as a good example. It is a rare glimpse of a church conflict over authority and hospitality in the late first century. It is only a few lines long and was likely carried by hand to its reader, giving a small window into the church's daily relationships.
- Testament: New Testament
- Genre: Letter
- Chapters: 1
- Verses: 14
Who Wrote 3 John, and When?
Author: Traditionally attributed to John the apostle, who calls himself 'the elder'.
When it was written: Probably between about AD 85 and 100.
Main Themes in 3 John
- Welcoming others
- Pride in leadership
- Support for travelling workers
A Key Verse: 3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
It expresses a pastor's deepest joy: seeing those he taught keep following the truth.
Reading Tip
This is the only New Testament letter that never mentions Jesus by name. It pairs well with 2 John, which urges caution about hospitality. Use the randomizer above to land on a verse in 3 John, then press Show context to read the verses around it.
← Random verse from 2 JohnRandom verse from Jude →
Browse all 66 books on the Bible books page, or get a verse from the whole Bible with the main Bible verse randomizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chapters and verses are in 3 John?
3 John has 1 chapter and 14 verses in the King James Version.
Who wrote 3 John?
Author: Traditionally attributed to John the apostle, who calls himself 'the elder'. When it was written: Probably between about AD 85 and 100.
What is 3 John about?
A personal note to Gaius, a church member praised for generously hosting travelling teachers. John warns about Diotrephes, a leader who loves to be first, refuses to welcome John's messengers, and expels those who do. Demetrius is commended as a good example. It is a rare glimpse of a church conflict over authority and hospitality in the late first century. It is only a few lines long and was likely carried by hand to its reader, giving a small window into the church's daily relationships.
Can I get a random verse from only 3 John?
Yes. This page picks a random verse from 3 John only. Every one of its 14 verses has an equal chance.