I. Those that accept 2nd John as canonical commonly accept 3rd John.
II. Therefore, all arguments against and for it canonically, to include internal and external evidence, follow the same line of thought as brought out by the introduction to 2nd John.
III. Its language and similarity to 2nd John has coined this epistle as its “twin sister”.
IV. In contrast to the schism of allegorical views to 2nd John as being written to the church, there is no question that 3rd John was definitely written to an individual, a man named Gaius. 3Joh.1
V. This places 2nd and 3rd John in the company of a select few epistles written solely to individuals including Philemon, 1st and 2nd Timothy and Titus.
VI. The time and purpose of writing for 3rd John.
A. The time of writing is concluded as in the same time frame of 2nd John, immediately following 1st John circa 90-95AD.
B. It has a three-fold general purpose:
1. To provide personal encouragement and exhortation to the recipient, Gaius. Vss.1-8,11
2. To relate the author’s intentions to address a certain individual, Diotrephes, for his stubborn, rebellious and arrogant approach to the truth and his spiritual authorities. Vs.9-10
3. To validate one named, Demetrius. Vs.12
V. Outline:
A. Introduction. Vss.1-4
1. Personal salutation. Vs.1
2. Personal sentiments. Vss.2-4
B. The obligation to Divine good production, especially hospitality. Vss.5-8
1. The reward of hospitality. Vs.5
2. The report of hospitality. Vs.6
3. The reasons for hospitality. Vss.7-8
C. The danger of arrogance as an authority and towards authority. Vss.9-12
1. Arrogance exemplified. Vs.9
2. Arrogance condemned. Vs.10
3. Arrogance contrasted. Vss.11-12
D. Conclusion. Vss.13,14