Introduction

3 John is an encouraging letter that the apostle John sends to his friend Gaius. Letter writing is a one way that “Christian fellowship is demonstrated and cherished.” In this letter we learn that “Christians are to be commended for showing practically their professed submission to the Gospel of Christ.”

3 John 1-4

v1: “Those who are loved by Christ will love Christ’s brothers and sisters for his sake.”

v2: It is good to pray not only for prosperous souls - that the spiritual life of other believers would show that their “soul is well on its way to the kingdom of glory,” - but also for them to “have healthy bodies.” God cares not only about our spiritual life, but our physical life too.

v3: “Faith should show itself in acts of love.” The reality of the faith in Christ and devotion to God which Gaius had was “shown by his love… for his brothers and sisters, kindness shown to the poor, and hospitality shown to Christian strangers.”

v4: Love does not envy, but rejoices to “learn that others are prospering in their souls.” We should always be glad to hear news of how others are making progress and growing in their faith.