Name
The title “3 John ” comes from John, the Son of Zebedee, and the author of the Gospel of John.
Author
Although John’s name does not appear in the letter, it is traditionally ascribed to him. The author identifies himself only as “the elder.”
External evidence comes from a number of early church fathers who ascribe authorship to John, including Clement of Alexandria, Cyril, and Dionysius.
Genre
General Epistle
Literary Form
2 John bears the marks of a traditional letter format (an opening, the letter body, and a close). Its form is a personal letter.
Time Frame
Some scholars believe John’s three letters (1, 2, & 3 John) were written in the early A.D. ’60s. Before the Roman destruction in A.D. 70. However, the scholarly consensus is the letters were written from Ephesus sometime between A.D. 80-95. 3 John was probably written at the same time as 1 & 2 John or shortly after that.
Emphasis
The shortest book in the New Testament, the emphasis of 3 John is on accepting traveling ministers and spiritual leaders.
Outline
- Greeting (1-2)
- Commendation of Gaius and Demetrius. Warning about Diotrephes (5-12)
- Closing farewell (13-14)
