Bible Dictionary
John, Third Epistle of
The Third Epistle of John is addressed to Gaius, commending Christians who were strangers in his community and had gone out to preach the gospel. Its exact place of writing and the identity of Gaius are uncertain.
Definition
The Third Epistle of John is a personal letter addressed to Gaius. It commends Christian workers who were strangers in his community and had gone out to preach the gospel.
Biblical Usage
The letter encourages Gaius to extend kindness and hospitality to faithful Christian visitors and supports their work in the gospel.
Historical Background
The identity of Gaius is uncertain; the supplied material distinguishes possible men of that name in Macedonia, Corinth, and Derbe. The letter was probably written soon after the First Epistle and from Ephesus.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Is addressed to Caius, or Gaius, but whether to the Christian of that name in Macedonia (Acts 19: 29) or in Corinth (Rom. 16:23) or in Derbe (Acts 20:4) is uncertain. It was written for the purpose of commending to Gaius some Christians who were strangers in the place where he lived, and who had gone thither for the purpose of preaching the gospel (ver. 7). The Second and Third Epistles were probably written soon after the First, and from Ephesus.