Introduction to 3rd John

Here's my introduction to the letter or book of 3rd John, and its course.

The third letter of John is believed to have been written around the year A.D. 90 from Ephesus (the same year in which 2nd John was written). John spent the later years of his ministry (before his exile to the island of Patmos) in Ephesus, where he wrote all three of his letters. This third letter of John was written to a man named Gaius (which was a common name of the time). Evidently, the man lived somewhere in Asia Minor, where John had been doing his mission service.

This letter is known as the shortest letter in the Bible (even a bit shorter textually, though not verse-wise than 2nd John). The letter focuses on the importance of supporting worthy missionaries, understanding the evil doings of a certain local character named Diotrephes who was trying to control a local church in Gaius' area, and the vindication of a righteous man named Demetrius. John also announced his plans of visiting the area. Though short, there are a many practical lessons we can learn from this letter! May the Lord bless as you study it!

Blessings,

Ben