Historical context of 3 John

Who wrote 3 John, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

John the Apostle

Date written

c. AD 85-95

Original audience

Gaius.

Genre

Epistle

Testament

New Testament

Chapters

1

Background and setting

Late first century.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world 3 John was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of 3 John or jump into chapter 1.