If 3 John 1 is authentic, why does it omit any mention of Jesus’s teachings or miracles?

I. Context and Purpose of 3 John

3 John opens with a greeting to a believer named Gaius: “The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.” (3 John 1:1). Unlike John’s other writings (the Gospel of John or 1 John), this letter is brief and focuses on hospitality, commendation, and practical ecclesiastical matters. It addresses problems within a specific community, particularly involving two prominent figures, Diotrephes and Demetrius (see 3 John 1:9–12).

The letter’s short length, along with its intensely personal focus, naturally differs in content from a doctrinal or evangelistic presentation of Jesus’s teachings and miracles. As such, 3 John functions as a personal correspondence dealing with everyday church life rather than laying out foundational Christian beliefs, which John already detailed extensively in his Gospel and in 1 John.

II. Affirmation of Authorship and Authenticity

1. Early Recognition: Early church fathers, such as Origen and Dionysius of Alexandria, recognized 3 John as an authentic epistle of the Apostle John. Clement of Alexandria (late 2nd century) and Eusebius (4th century) both catalogued this letter among the canonical texts, attesting to its acceptance in the early church.

2. Manuscript Evidence: Surviving Greek manuscripts, including fragments such as those in the Bodmer Papyri collection (though specifically broader collections display 1–3 John consistently), align in content with what we have in modern translations. The internal consistency across manuscripts underscores the integrity of 3 John.

3. Stylistic Similarities: Linguistic and stylistic elements—such as the frequent use of the phrase “beloved” (3 John 1:2, 5, 11) and John’s exhortations to “walk in the truth” (3 John 1:3–4)—resemble those found in 1 John and 2 John. Scholars like Dr. Dan Wallace have noted how the Greek style, vocabulary, and emphasis on “truth” testify to a singular Johannine authorship.

The combination of historical acceptance, manuscript support, and stylistic parallels firmly establishes the letter’s authenticity, even though it is short and aimed at practical exhortation rather than Christological teaching.

III. The Letter’s Core Concern: Christian Hospitality and Truth

1. Commendation of Gaius: The letter primarily lauds Gaius for his faithful conduct—“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4). John applauds Gaius for supporting traveling teachers and missionaries (see 3 John 1:5–8).

2. Reproof of Diotrephes: John sternly warns of the actions of Diotrephes, who “loves to be first” (3 John 1:9), rejects John’s authority, and expels those offering hospitality to fellow believers. The epistle highlights the practical consequences of pride and division within a local congregation.

3. Recommendation of Demetrius: John commends another believer, Demetrius, who likewise “is well spoken of by everyone” (3 John 1:12). This passage underscores the importance of devotion to truth and unity rather than personal ambition.

Because the letter speaks to everyday ethical conduct, coordination among believers, and communal harmony, it addresses a specific crisis without needing to restate the Gospel accounts of Jesus’s miraculous works.

IV. Reason for the Omission of Jesus’s Teachings or Miracles

1. Distinct Focus and Audience: The epistles (1 John, 2 John, 3 John) were addressed to existing Christian communities where the foundational truths about Jesus’s life, miracles, and resurrection were already known. John devotes his third epistle to pressing pastoral concerns, assuming familiarity with Christ’s teachings.

2. Mission Already Accomplished Elsewhere: John’s Gospel was written explicitly so that believers “may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31). First John also addresses Christological truths (e.g., 1 John 1:1–4, 1 John 2:22). Since 3 John deals with hospitality conflicts, it has no need to outline foundational doctrines again.

3. Concise Nature and Purpose: The purpose of 3 John is to commend Gaius for walking in truth, rebuke Diotrephes, and endorse Demetrius. These immediate pastoral issues guided the content and brevity of the letter. It is a genuine piece of correspondence, where repeating Jesus’s miracles or teachings was not the central objective.

V. The Letter’s Compatibility with the Wider Biblical Witness

1. Consistency in Doctrine: Even though 3 John does not mention specific miracles of Christ or re-articulate His teachings, nothing in the letter contradicts the broader testimony of Scripture. This coherence aligns with the principle that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction” (2 Timothy 3:16).

2. Underscoring Biblical Themes: Central themes like walking in truth, showing love, and mutual edification among believers are woven throughout 3 John. These resonate with key biblical directives throughout the New Testament—“Let us love one another, for love comes from God” (1 John 4:7).

3. Historical Confirmation: Archaeological and textual research consistently demonstrate the reliability of the manuscripts across the Johannine writings. Scholars like Dr. James White show that variations are minor, often involving spelling or minor word order without affecting doctrine. This uniformity buttresses the overarching narrative presented by John in his Gospel and epistles.

VI. Implications for Faith and Practice

1. Model for Local Church Challenges: 3 John equips believers to handle leadership conflicts and the dangers of pride within the church. It sets an example of addressing issues directly, all while preserving truth and unity.

2. Encouragement in Hospitality and Love: The epistle exhorts Christians to welcome and help fellow workers in the faith (3 John 1:5–8). Such hospitality furthers the mission of proclaiming Christ and models love both to believers and outsiders (John 13:35).

3. Alignment with Christ-Centered Life: Although it doesn’t repeat Jesus’s miracles, 3 John promotes the same Christ-inspired ethos. It remains anchored in the reality of Christ’s redemptive work, serving as a practical application of the truths taught by Jesus in the broader New Testament.

VII. Conclusion

3 John, though brief, holds a vital place in the New Testament. Its omission of explicit accounts of Jesus’s teachings or miracles does not imply any deficiency. Instead, it reflects the letter’s distinct pastoral purpose within the Johannine corpus. Authenticated by style, manuscript evidence, and historical acceptance, 3 John provides an invaluable look at the early Christian community’s practice of hospitality, accountability, and love.

This epistle demonstrates that early believers strove to live out the teachings of Christ in real, practical ways, addressing tensions and prioritizing the truth. The absence of direct references to Jesus’s miracles or teachings simply reflects the letter’s original intent and audience—brothers and sisters who already embraced the core tenets of the faith and needed encouragement to remain steadfast in love.