Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in 3 John to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith.
Authored by the Apostle John, the Third Epistle of John is a brief, personal letter addressed to Gaius, a dear friend of John. Though short, this letter provides valuable insights into the practical outworking of the Gospel in the lives of Christians, particularly concerning hospitality, support for traveling missionaries, and the integrity of church leadership. Central to 3 John is the message that walking in the truth of the Gospel leads to a life of love, faithfulness, and generosity.
On this note, John commends Gaius for his faithful support of traveling teachers and missionaries, noting in 3 John 1:5: “Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;” We can see here the practical implications of the Gospel, which calls believers to show support via love for one another, especially those laboring to spread the message of Christ.
In this guide to the Gospel in 3 John, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how 3 John presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel in 3 John
The Gospel in 3 John Showcased in Scripture
- 3 John 1:3-4: “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
Here John expresses joy upon hearing that fellow believers are walking in the truth.
- 3 John 1:11: “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”
Here John urges believers not to imitate evil but to follow what is good, stating that those who do good are from God, while those who do evil have not seen God.
These two verses emphasize the importance of walking in truth and doing good, reflecting the legitimately transformative power of living out the Gospel message. While 3 John does not directly address salvation by grace through faith in Christ’s finished work of Christ on the cross, it can be seen through the lens of the outworking of those who are living in accordance with the truth of the Gospel.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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