3 John related passages

Within the Bible

• Previous: 2 John warned a church not to welcome false teachers; 3 John commends welcoming true gospel workers.
• Next: Jude calls believers to contend for the faith against ungodly intruders.
• Thematic Connections:
  • Matthew 10:40-42 - Welcoming Christ’s messengers is welcoming Him, with its reward.
  • Hebrews 13:2 - “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers.”
  • Philippians 4:15-17 - Partnership in the gospel through generous support.

Cross-Testament Connections

Third John commends hospitality and goodness that reflect God:

• Hospitality to God’s servants: Welcoming gospel workers fulfills the biblical honor of hospitality (3 John 5-8; Genesis 18:1-8; Hebrews 13:2).
• Serving the name: Laboring “for the sake of the name” advances the mission to make Christ known (3 John 7; Acts 5:41; Romans 1:5).
• Humility over preeminence: The rebuke of Diotrephes reflects the way of Christ against pride (3 John 9; Proverbs 16:18; Mark 10:43-45).
• Doing good reveals God: Imitating good fulfills the call to reflect God’s own goodness (3 John 11; Micah 6:8; 1 Peter 2:12).