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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>3 John 1:1 The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/64_3Jn_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="3 John 1:1 - Greeting to Gaius from the Elder" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/3_john/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/3_john/1-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/3_john/">3 John</a> > <a href="/3_john/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_john/1-13.htm" title="2 John 1:13">◄</a> 3 John 1:1 <a href="/3_john/1-2.htm" title="3 John 1:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/3_john/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/3_john/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/3_john/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The elder, To Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/3_john/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/3_john/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/3_john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/3_john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/3_john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/3_john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/3_john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the beloved <i>and</i> esteemed Gaius, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/3_john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Elder: To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love you in the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/3_john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Elder: To my dear friend Gaius: I love you in the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/3_john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/3_john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />From the church leader. To my dear friend Gaius. I love you because we follow the truth, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/3_john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/3_john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />From the church leader. To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love because we share the truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/3_john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />From the Elder--To my dear Gaius, whom I truly love. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/3_john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />From: The Elder To: My dear friend Gaius, whom I genuinely love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/3_john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/3_john/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />From the elder, to Gaius my dear brother, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/3_john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/3_john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The elder to the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/3_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The Elder to his dear friend Gaius. Truly I love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/3_john/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/3_john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />The elder, To Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/3_john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The Elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/3_john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The elder to the dearly beloved Gains, whom I love in truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/3_john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The ancient to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/3_john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The Elder, to Gaius, most beloved, whom I love in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/3_john/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The Presbyter to the beloved Gaius whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/3_john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/3_john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THE elder, to the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/3_john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />The Elder to beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/3_john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />THE elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/3_john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I truly love with divine love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/3_john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />THE presbyter to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/3_john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />The PRESBYTER to my dear Gaius, whom I truly love.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/3_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />The Elder to his dear friend Gaius. Truly I love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/3_john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/3_john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><bld>The</bld> elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/3_john/1-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9HTsCnSVEbc?start=0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm">Greeting to Gaius from the Elder</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/4245.htm" title="4245: presbyteros (Adj-NMS) -- Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian presbyter.">elder,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">To the</a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapētō (Adj-DMS) -- From agapao; beloved.">beloved</a> <a href="/greek/1050.htm" title="1050: Gaiō (N-DMS) -- Gaius, (a) a Corinthian, (b) a Macedonian, (c) a citizen of Derbe, (d) an Ephesian. Of Latin origin; Gaius, a Christian.">Gaius,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whom</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/25.htm" title="25: agapō (V-PIA-1S) -- To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.">love</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheia (N-DFS) -- From alethes; truth.">the truth:</a> </span> <span class="reftext">2</span>Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-23.htm">John 13:23</a></span><br />One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/21-20.htm">John 21:20</a></span><br />Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them. He was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper to ask, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a></span><br />Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a></span><br />Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-13.htm">1 John 5:13</a></span><br />I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1</a></span><br />The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-23.htm">Acts 15:23</a></span><br />and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-1.htm">Romans 16:1</a></span><br />I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-1.htm">Philippians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-1.htm">Colossians 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">1 Timothy 1:2</a></span><br />To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-2.htm">2 Timothy 1:2</a></span><br />To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-4.htm">Titus 1:4</a></span><br />To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Philemon 1:1</a></span><br />Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-12.htm">1 Peter 5:12</a></span><br />Through Silvanus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The elder to the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1</a></b></br> The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;</p><p class="hdg">the well-beloved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Acts 19:29</a></b></br> And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/20-4.htm">Acts 20:4</a></b></br> And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/16-23.htm">Romans 16:23</a></b></br> Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.</p><p class="hdg">whom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a></b></br> My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.</p><p class="hdg">See on</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">2 John 1:1</a></b></br> The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;</p><p class="hdg">in the truth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/4-11.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">Church</a> <a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/1_john/2-1.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-14.htm">Gaius</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-14.htm">Ga'ius</a> <a href="/2_john/1-13.htm">Love</a> <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/2_john/1-9.htm">True.</a> <a href="/2_john/1-4.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/mark/12-6.htm">Wellbeloved</a> <a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Well-Beloved</a> <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/3_john/1-2.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/3_john/1-6.htm">Church</a> <a href="/3_john/1-2.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/genesis/10-21.htm">Elder</a> <a href="/3_john/1-2.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Gaius</a> <a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Ga'ius</a> <a href="/3_john/1-6.htm">Love</a> <a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/3_john/1-3.htm">True.</a> <a href="/3_john/1-3.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-1.htm">Wellbeloved</a> <a href="/songs/1-13.htm">Well-Beloved</a> <a href="/revelation/1-2.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">3 John 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">He commends Gaius for his piety,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">and hospitality,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-7.htm">to true preachers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-11.htm">whose evil example is not to be followed;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-12.htm">and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/3_john/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/3_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/3_john/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The elder</b><br>This term refers to the Apostle John, who is traditionally understood to be the author of this letter. The title "elder" signifies his role as a senior leader and respected authority within the early Christian community. It reflects his advanced age and his position of spiritual oversight. The use of "elder" also connects to the structure of early church leadership, where elders were responsible for teaching, guiding, and maintaining doctrinal purity (<a href="/1_peter/5.htm">1 Peter 5:1-3</a>).<p><b>To the beloved Gaius</b><br>Gaius was a common name in the Roman Empire, and this particular Gaius is not definitively identified with any other Gaius mentioned in the New Testament. However, he is clearly a prominent member of the church, known for his faithfulness and hospitality. The term "beloved" indicates a deep affection and respect, suggesting that Gaius was well-regarded for his commitment to the truth and his support of itinerant missionaries. This reflects the early Christian emphasis on community and mutual support (<a href="/romans/16-23.htm">Romans 16:23</a>; <a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Acts 19:29</a>).<p><b>whom I love in the truth</b><br>This phrase underscores the bond between John and Gaius, rooted in their shared commitment to the truth of the Gospel. "In the truth" implies a relationship founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. It highlights the importance of truth as a central tenet of Christian fellowship and love, as seen in other Johannine writings (<a href="/john/17-17.htm">John 17:17</a>; 2 <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1-2</a>). This love is not merely emotional but is grounded in the shared belief and practice of the Christian faith, emphasizing the unity and integrity of the early church community.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_elder.htm">The Elder</a></b><br>This refers to the Apostle John, who is traditionally understood to be the author of this epistle. As an elder, John holds a position of authority and spiritual maturity within the early Christian community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gaius.htm">Gaius</a></b><br>A common name in the Roman world, Gaius is the recipient of this letter. He is described as "beloved" and is someone whom John loves "in the truth," indicating a deep spiritual bond and shared faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_truth.htm">The Truth</a></b><br>This is a central theme in John's writings, often referring to the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It underscores the foundation of the relationship between John and Gaius.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_spiritual_leadership.htm">The Role of Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>John identifies himself as "the elder," highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and mentorship in the Christian community. Leaders are called to guide others in truth and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_truth_in_relationships.htm">The Importance of Truth in Relationships</a></b><br>The phrase "whom I love in the truth" suggests that Christian relationships should be rooted in the truth of the Gospel. This truth should guide our interactions and affections.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_christian_fellowship.htm">The Value of Christian Fellowship</a></b><br>The personal nature of this letter to Gaius reflects the value of close, personal relationships within the body of Christ. Such relationships are vital for encouragement and spiritual growth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/expressing_love_and_affection.htm">Expressing Love and Affection</a></b><br>John's affectionate greeting to Gaius serves as a model for expressing love and appreciation for fellow believers. It is important to communicate our love and support to those in our spiritual community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_3_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 3 John 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_'elder'_in_3_john_1_apostle_john.htm">How can we be certain the “elder” in 3 John 1 is truly the Apostle John given the lack of explicit identification? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_3_john.htm">Who is the author of 3 John?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_3_john_1_omit_jesus's_works.htm">If 3 John 1 is authentic, why does it omit any mention of Jesus’s teachings or miracles? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_clear_evidence_for_3_john_1.htm">Why is there no clear historical or archaeological evidence confirming the exact circumstances described in 3 John 1? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/3_john/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">The elder.</span>--See the <span class= "ital">Introduction, </span>and <a href="/2_john/1-1.htm" title="The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;">2John 1:1</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Gaius.</span>--The common Roman name Caius. A Caius is mentioned in <a href="/acts/19-29.htm" title="And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.">Acts 19:29</a>; <a href="/acts/20-4.htm" title="And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.">Acts 20:4</a>; <a href="/romans/16-23.htm" title="Gaius my host, and of the whole church, salutes you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city salutes you, and Quartus a brother.">Romans 16:23</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/1-14.htm" title="I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;">1Corinthians 1:14</a>. The difference in date between these and St. John's correspondent would alone be sufficient reason against any attempt at identification. There is nothing to show whether he was a presbyter or not. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/3_john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">To Gaius the beloved</span> (<span class="greek">Γαι'´ῳ τῷ ἀγαπητῷ</span>). This is additional reason for thinking that <span class="greek">κυρία</span> in the Second Epistle is not a proper name; if it were we should probably have the same formula as we have here, <span class="greek">Κυρίᾳ τῇ ἐκλεκτῇ</span>. The name <span class="accented">Gaius</span> occurs elsewhere in the New Testament four times (<a href="/acts/19-29.htm">Acts 19:29</a>; <a href="/acts/20-4.htm">Acts 20:4</a>; <a href="/romans/16-23.htm">Romans 16:23</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/1-14.htm">1 Corinthians 1:14</a>); as it was as common in the Roman Empire as <span class="accented">John Smith</span> is among ourselves, it would be rash to infer that the Gaius addressed here is the same as any of those mentioned elsewhere. In all probability there are at least four persons of this name in the New Testament. In the opening of this Epistle also we have to remark the characteristic repetition of the word "truth," which occurs four times in the first four verses. Deeds, in which Gaius and Demetrius were rich, not words, of which Diotrephes was so prodigal, are what win the approbation and love of the apostle. The thing which he hates is unreality; the object of his special adoration is "the truth;" "to walk in the truth" is nothing less than to follow in the footsteps of the Lord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/3_john/1-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">The</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(Ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">elder,</span><br /><span class="grk">πρεσβύτερος</span> <span class="translit">(presbyteros)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4245.htm">Strong's 4245: </a> </span><span class="str2">Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">To the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῷ</span> <span class="translit">(tō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">beloved</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαπητῷ</span> <span class="translit">(agapētō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> </span><span class="str2">From agapao; beloved.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Gaius,</span><br /><span class="grk">Γαΐῳ</span> <span class="translit">(Gaiō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1050.htm">Strong's 1050: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gaius, (a) a Corinthian, (b) a Macedonian, (c) a citizen of Derbe, (d) an Ephesian. Of Latin origin; Gaius, a Christian.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whom</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃν</span> <span class="translit">(hon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐγὼ</span> <span class="translit">(egō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">love</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαπῶ</span> <span class="translit">(agapō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_25.htm">Strong's 25: </a> </span><span class="str2">To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] truth:</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀληθείᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(alētheia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> </span><span class="str2">From alethes; truth.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/3_john/1-1.htm">3 John 1:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">NT Letters: 3 John 1:1 The elder to Gaius the beloved whom (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_john/1-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 John 1:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 John 1:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/3_john/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="3 John 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="3 John 1:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>