3 John — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on 3 john, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · 3 John 1:1 (KJV)
To whom is the third epistle of John specifically addressed?
Answer: Gaius
Study note. The elder writes 'unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.'
Lesson 2 · 3 John 1:2 (KJV)
What does the author wish for Gaius above all things?
Answer: That he may prosper and be in health
Study note. John wishes that Gaius may prosper and be in health, even as his soul prospereth.
Lesson 3 · 3 John 1:3 (KJV)
What caused the author to rejoice greatly when the brethren came?
Answer: They testified of the truth that was in Gaius
Study note. John rejoiced when brethren testified of the truth that was in Gaius.
Lesson 4 · 3 John 1:4 (KJV)
John states he has no greater joy than to hear that his children do what?
Answer: Walk in truth
Study note. John writes, 'I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.'
Lesson 5 · 3 John 1:5 (KJV)
According to the text, how does Gaius deal with the brethren and strangers?
Answer: Faithfully
Study note. The elder commends Gaius, saying 'thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers.'
Lesson 6 · 3 John 1:7 (KJV)
For whose sake did the brethren go forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles?
Answer: For his name's sake
Study note. They went forth 'for his name's sake,' refusing support from the Gentiles.
Lesson 7 · 3 John 1:9 (KJV)
Who is described as loving to have the preeminence among the church members?
Answer: Diotrephes
Study note. Diotrephes is rebuked because he 'loveth to have the preeminence among them.'
Lesson 8 · 3 John 1:10 (KJV)
What does Diotrephes do to those who wish to receive the brethren?
Answer: He forbids them and casts them out of the church
Study note. He not only refuses the brethren but 'forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.'
Lesson 9 · 3 John 1:12 (KJV)
Who has a 'good report of all men, and of the truth itself'?
Answer: Demetrius
Study note. Demetrius is commended for having a good report of all men.
Lesson 10 · 3 John 1:13 (KJV)
Why did the author not want to write more with ink and pen?
Answer: He trusted to see Gaius shortly and speak face to face
Study note. John preferred to speak 'face to face' rather than continue writing with pen and ink.
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does 3 john point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?