The book of 3 John may be the shortest book in the Bible by word count, but it holds rich insight about truth, hospitality, and leadership in the early Church. This brief letter written by the apostle John is personal, direct, and packed with encouragement and instruction.
1. 3 John Is the Shortest Book in the Bible by Word Count
While 2 John has fewer verses, 3 John contains the fewest words in the original Greek—only 219 words. That makes it the briefest book in the entire Bible.
“I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee.” – 3 John 1:13
2. Written by the Apostle John
The letter is written by “the elder,” a term widely believed to refer to the apostle John, the same writer of the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, and Revelation.
“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.” – 3 John 1:1
3. It’s Addressed to a Man Named Gaius
John is writing to a Christian named Gaius, someone John clearly loves and trusts. Gaius is mentioned as walking in the truth and being faithful.
“Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers.” – 3 John 1:5
4. The Letter Emphasizes Walking in Truth
John celebrates that Gaius is walking in the truth. This echoes themes from John’s other writings, especially 1 John.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” – 3 John 1:4
5. It Highlights the Importance of Hospitality
One of the main points of the letter is Gaius’ generosity and hospitality toward traveling missionaries and fellow believers.
“Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.” – 3 John 1:7
6. John Condemns a Man Named Diotrephes
John boldly calls out Diotrephes, a man who refuses to welcome missionaries and even speaks maliciously against John and others.
“Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.” – 3 John 1:9
7. It Commends a Man Named Demetrius
In contrast to Diotrephes, Demetrius is well-spoken of. John says he has a good testimony from everyone and from the truth itself.
“Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself.” – 3 John 1:12
8. Truth Is Mentioned 6 Times in 14 Verses
The word “truth” is a major theme in this short letter. It’s mentioned six times, showing how central it is to the Christian life and ministry.
| Verse | Mention of Truth |
|---|---|
| 3 John 1:1 | "whom I love in the truth" |
| 3 John 1:3 | "testified of the truth" |
| 3 John 1:4 | "walk in truth" |
| 3 John 1:8 | "fellowhelpers to the truth" |
| 3 John 1:12 | "the truth itself" |
9. It Teaches About Christian Leadership and Influence
The letter shows three types of leaders: Gaius (faithful and supportive), Diotrephes (prideful and divisive), and Demetrius (well-respected and truthful). John warns against selfish leadership and encourages godly influence.
“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.” – 3 John 1:11
10. John Hoped to Visit Gaius Soon
John closes the letter with the hope of visiting Gaius in person rather than continuing a long letter. This shows their close relationship and the importance of face-to-face fellowship.
“But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.” – 3 John 1:14
