3 John 11–15
Follow What Is Good
Commentary, people profiles, focused answers, and Bible study resources to help you recognize, imitate, and become a faithful Christian example.
Begin with Scripture
Read 3 John 11–15 Before Using These Resources
Ask God to help you recognize what is good, follow faithful examples, and become an example worth imitating. Read the passage slowly and wrestle with it before consulting commentary.
These resources are designed to supplement—not replace—your own study of Scripture.
Study It for Yourself
Pray. Read. Ask. Pray.
If you are using 3 John: A Guided Journey Through Scripture, complete the final journal pages before exploring the resources below.
1. Pray
Ask God to help you recognize, follow, and become a godly example.
2. Read
Read 3 John 11–15 more than once. Record the commands, contrasts, testimonies, and relational details you notice.
3. Ask
Use P.E.T.S. to look for a promise or prayer, an example, a truth, a sin, or Scripture to remember.
4. Pray
Turn what you discovered into praise, confession, intercession, thanksgiving, and obedience.
What Happens in 3 John 11–15?
After exposing Diotrephes, John tells Gaius not to imitate evil but good. He then presents Demetrius as a man whose character is affirmed by others, by the truth itself, and by John’s own testimony before closing with a desire for face-to-face fellowship.
- John commands Gaius to imitate what is good, not what is evil.
- A person’s conduct reveals something about his or her relationship with God.
- Demetrius receives a strong and consistent testimony.
- John values personal fellowship beyond written communication.
- The letter ends with peace and personal greetings among friends.
Choose Your Depth
Commentary for 3 John 11–15
Choose the level that best fits your needs. You do not need to read every resource.
Foundations
Read and Understand
Explore the contrast between Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius and consider which examples Christians should follow or avoid.
Best for: personal study, devotional reading, new believers, and groups
Read Foundations →Leader
Understand and Teach
Explore teaching insights, leadership implications, character formation, reputation, imitation, and relational ministry.
Best for: pastors, teachers, group leaders, and disciplers
Read Leader Commentary →Deep Roots
Explore the Depth
Investigate the passage’s language, theology, early-church setting, multiple witnesses, and implications for Christian imitation.
Best for: advanced students, pastors, researchers, and sermon preparation
Read Deep Roots →Understanding the Passage
Why Does John Recommend Demetrius?
John does not ask Gaius to trust Demetrius blindly. He points to a pattern of corroborating testimony: everyone speaks well of him, his conduct agrees with the truth, and John personally affirms his character.
This recommendation shows why proven character and a consistent reputation matter when believers receive, support, or follow a Christian leader.
Person in the Passage
Meet Demetrius
A Faithful ExampleWho Was Demetrius?
Learn what can be known about the believer whose godly conduct, reputation, and faithfulness made him worthy of John’s recommendation.
Meet Demetrius →Which Example Will You Follow?
Diotrephes
- Loved being first
- Rejected accountability
- Used words destructively
- Controlled and excluded others
Demetrius
- Possessed a good reputation
- Lived consistently with the truth
- Received trustworthy affirmation
- Provided an example worth following
As You Study, Notice
- What John commands Gaius to imitate
- What doing good or evil reveals
- The witnesses affirming Demetrius
- John’s desire to speak face to face
Questions for Reflection
- Whose godly example am I following?
- What qualities in that person should I imitate?
- What does my reputation reveal about my walk?
- What would I want another believer to imitate in me?
Do Not Miss the Value of Face-to-Face Fellowship
John valued written communication, but he did not view a letter as a replacement for personal presence. Christian growth happens through Scripture and through real relationships where believers encourage, correct, serve, and walk alongside one another.
Related Theme from John’s Letters
What Does Genuine Love Look Like?
Explore how 2 John holds love and truth together—and how genuine Christian love remains shaped by God’s truth and commands.
Explore Love and Truth →You Have Completed 3 John
Look How Far You Have Come
Through this short letter, you have seen that walking in the truth affects what we believe, how we live, what we support, how we lead, and whom we follow.
Your Next Step
Keep Becoming More Like Jesus
Finishing a biblical book is worth celebrating, but the goal is more than completing a study. Continue building prayer, Bible reading, Scripture memory, service, and obedience into the regular rhythm of your life.
Helping You Live Like Jesus
Explore the larger MTSM discipleship pathway and resources designed to help faith become a way of life.
Discover Your Next Step → Review or Go DeeperComplete 3 John Resource Hub
Return to the complete collection of introductions, commentaries, questions, and people profiles.
Explore All 3 John Resources →Follow What Is Good—and Become an Example
Thank God for the faithful people He has placed in your life. Choose one quality worth imitating, and ask Him to make your own life an example that helps someone else walk in the truth.
Continue Becoming Like Jesus →
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