The Third Letter of John: Walking in the Truth
1. The Elder and His Beloved Friend
“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.” (3 John 1)
St John, now the aged “elder” (presbyteros), writes with the warmth of spiritual fatherhood.
He calls Gaius “beloved” — not only loved by John, but beloved in the Lord.
The Fathers saw here a portrait of the Church’s pastoral heart.
St Bede the Venerable says:
“He calls himself elder not by office only but by charity; for the true elder is one who has grown old in the service of love.” (Commentary on the Catholic Epistles, 3 John 1)
John’s title shows the gentle authority of the apostle who leads not by command but by affection.
2. The Blessing of Health and Soul
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in health, as it goes well with your soul.” (v. 2)
This greeting shows the harmony between spiritual and bodily welfare.
The apostle blesses both — but in proper order: the soul’s health first, then the body’s.
St Augustine comments:
“He who prays for bodily health and neglects the soul is like one who mends the garment and tears the man. Let the inner be whole, and the outer will serve it well.” (Sermon 174.2)
For Catholics, holiness is not contempt for the body but its sanctification through grace.
3. The Joy of the Truth
“I rejoiced greatly when some of the brethren came and testified to the truth of your life, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children walk in the truth.” (vv. 3–4)
To “walk in the truth” means living faith visibly — truth embodied in charity.
John rejoices not in success or power but in fidelity.
St Augustine writes:
“He says not, ‘I have no greater joy than that you know the truth,’ but, ‘that you walk in it.’ For knowledge without love puffs up, but love builds up.” (Tractates on John XL.10)
This is the mark of genuine discipleship: truth practised in daily life.
4. Hospitality to the Brethren
“Beloved, it is a loyal thing you do when you render any service to the brethren, especially to strangers.” (v. 5)
Christian hospitality was vital in the early Church, where itinerant missionaries depended on believers’ generosity.
To welcome them was to share in their mission.
St John Chrysostom comments:
“He praises not wealth but hospitality, for the rich may give from abundance, but the faithful give from love.” (Homilies on 3 John, 1)
Hospitality (philoxenia — “love of strangers”) reflects the very nature of God, who welcomes sinners and makes them sons.
5. Partners in the Truth
“They have testified to your love before the Church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God; for they have set out for His sake, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, that we may be fellow workers in the truth.” (vv. 6–8)
Missionaries travelled “for the sake of the Name” — Christ Himself.
By supporting them, Gaius shares in their apostolic fruit.
St Bede notes:
“He who helps the preacher shares in the preaching; he who supports the pilgrim walks with him in spirit.” (Commentary on 3 John, v. 8)
In Catholic theology, this verse reveals the communion of apostolic work — one body, many functions, one reward.
6. The Pride of Diotrephes
“I have written something to the Church; but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us.” (vv. 9–10)
Here appears a sorrowful contrast — the proud heart that resists apostolic order.
Diotrephes is a cautionary figure: love of pre-eminence leads to spiritual isolation.
St John Chrysostom warns:
“Nothing so ruins the Church as the desire to be first. The apostles were great because they desired to serve.” (Homilies on 3 John, 2)
The sin of Diotrephes is the ancient heresy of pride — authority detached from obedience, leadership without communion.
7. The Example of Demetrius
“Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself.” (vv. 11–12)
John contrasts Diotrephes’ pride with Demetrius’ fidelity.
One divides, the other unites.
“Imitate good” — for holiness is learned by imitation of saints.
St Augustine explains:
“The eyes see what the ears hear. The life of the good is a sermon to the heart.” (Sermon 171.3)
“From the truth itself” — meaning that his conduct reflects Christ, the Truth. Virtue confirms doctrine.
8. The Personal Closing
“I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink; I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, every one of them.” (vv. 13–15)
This ending is simple yet profoundly pastoral.
Christian friendship is not abstract but personal, warm, and face-to-face.
St Bede observes:
“He who wrote of love desired not only words but presence, for charity longs for union.” (Commentary on 3 John, v. 13)
The letter closes as it began — with love in truth and peace in communion.
9. Theological Summary
| Theme | Revelation |
| Elder and beloved Gaius | Apostolic authority joined with pastoral affection |
| Health of soul | Harmony of body and spirit under grace |
| Walking in the truth | Faith expressed through charity |
| Hospitality | Sharing in the Church’s mission |
| Diotrephes’ pride | Warning against rebellion and ambition |
| Demetrius’ witness | The beauty of faithful example |
| Final greeting | Communion of friendship in Christ |
St Augustine sums up:
“In this brief letter John commends three things that make the Church stand firm — truth in doctrine, humility in order, and love in fellowship.” (On the Unity of the Church, 12)
10. Moral and Spiritual Application
Walk in the truth. Faith must shape daily life — honesty, purity, and charity.
Practise hospitality. Welcome others for Christ’s sake, especially those who labour for the Gospel.
Avoid the spirit of Diotrephes. Seek not pre-eminence but service.
Imitate the saints. Let holy lives be your teachers.
Value friendship in Christ. The Church grows through relationships of grace.
11. Christ the Faithful Friend
St John’s brief letter reflects the very character of Christ:
The Elder → the Eternal Word, aged in mercy yet ever new.
Gaius → the faithful disciple walking in truth.
Diotrephes → the pride that resists the Cross.
Demetrius → the faithful witness shining quietly.
Christ Himself is the perfect Friend who greets us “face to face” in the Eucharist and will greet us eternally in heaven.
St Augustine concludes:
“He is our Friend because He gave His life for us; let us prove ourselves His friends by loving one another.” (Tractates on John LXXXVII.1)
12. Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, our true Friend and Shepherd,
You taught us to walk in the truth and to serve one another in love.
Keep us humble in our duties, generous in our hospitality,
and faithful to the apostles’ teaching.
May our friendship in You be sincere,
our charity steadfast, and our joy complete,
until we see You face to face in glory.
Who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 