What does 3 John 1:3 mean?
ESV: For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth.
NIV: It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it.
NASB: For I was overjoyed when brothers came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.
CSB: For I was very glad when fellow believers came and testified to your fidelity to the truth--how you are walking in truth.
NLT: Some of the traveling teachers recently returned and made me very happy by telling me about your faithfulness and that you are living according to the truth.
KJV: For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
NKJV: For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.
Verse Commentary:
"Truth" is mentioned first in verse 1, then twice more here. First, John rejoices about truth: believers who had visited Gaius and his congregation spoke well of the situation in this church. Second, John states Gaius walked in truth. This is from the Greek word alētheia, meaning "actual, real, and objectively accurate." Gaius was an example to those he led. John observed that his church members followed the model set before them by Gaius. Truth is not something only to know, but something we "walk" or practice. The importance of a good example is a major theme of 3 John, and a common one for the apostle John's writings. He shares very similar words in 2 John 1:1–4 and mentions truth nine times in 1 John. The gospel of John mentions truth more than 20 times.
Verse Context:
Third John 1:1–8 introduces the writer as “the elder,” which tradition says is the apostle John. It specifies that the letter is meant for Gaius, who is praised for his positive reputation. In particular, Gaius is applauded for caring for missionaries and other traveling Christians. This is especially important to John, so those preaching the truth aren’t dependent on the support of non-believers.
Chapter Summary:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Chapter Context:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Book Summary:
Third John consists of just one chapter. This is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow believer, Gaius. “Truth” is mentioned six times in this book's brief 15 verses. Gaius is praised for his commitment to Christian service. At the same time, John condemns the actions of Diotrephes, a church member causing problems. After mentioning the good reputation of a man named Demetrius, John closes his letter in the hope of coming to see Gaius face-to-face. This upcoming meeting seems to be why the letter is so short.
Accessed 5/8/2024 12:05:43 PM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
