Lesson 13 - The Power of Truth and Hospitality

Third John is the most personal of John’s epistles, emphasizing the importance of showing love and hospitality while remaining faithful to the truth. While 2 John cautioned against offering hospitality to false teachers, Third John highlights the positive aspect: we should extend love and care to those who uphold the truth. The letter is addressed to Gaius, a man known personally to John, who faced opposition from Diotrephes, an influential church member. Diotrephes refused to welcome itinerant teachers approved by John and even excommunicated those who disagreed with him. He also slandered John and rejected his apostolic authority.

John wrote to encourage Gaius to stay faithful to the truth by continuing his hospitality and promised to address Diotrephes personally when he arrived.