The spelling of the word "III John" follows the common practice of using Roman numerals to indicate which of the three letters written by John in the New Testament is being referred to. "III" represents "Third," as in the third letter of John. In terms of pronunciation, "III John" is pronounced as "three John," with the stressed syllable being the first one. In phonetic transcription, it would be represented as /θri ˈdʒɑn/.
III John is a book in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically part of the Johannine literature, ascribed to the Apostle John. Also known as the Third Epistle of John, it is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, consisting of a single chapter encompassing 14 verses.
III John is a personal letter written by John to a man named Gaius, commending his hospitality towards traveling missionaries sent by John. The epistle reflects John's concern for the church's unity and the importance of supporting those who uphold the true teachings of Christ.
The book begins with John addressing "the beloved Gaius," expressing his joy over hearing that Gaius is actively living in the truth and exhibiting love towards fellow believers. John commends Gaius for his hospitality towards the traveling missionaries, affirming the importance of supporting them as they embark on their mission work.
The letter also mentions a man named Diotrephes, who is described as someone who desires to have authority over the church but rejects the authority of any other leaders. John warns Gaius not to imitate such behavior but to follow good examples instead, emphasizing the significance of truth and love within the Christian community.
The purpose of III John is to encourage believers to support and show hospitality to those engaged in spreading the Gospel while discouraging church leaders from seeking power and control. It serves as a reminder of the importance of love, truth, and unity within the Christian community.
The etymology of the word "III John" can be traced back to its origins in the New Testament of the Bible. "III John" is actually short for "The Third Epistle of John", with "III" indicating the number three in Roman numerals. The word "John" specifically refers to the apostle John, who is traditionally believed to be the author of this particular epistle.