John addresses this epistle to an exhorter concerning an egotist and an
example.
THE PERSEVERANCE OF GAIUS THE EXHORTER (1:1-8, 13-14)
John's prayer for Gaius (1:1-2): That his physical body will be as healthy as John knows his soul is.
John's praise of Gaius (1:3-8)
He has been faithful to God's message (1:3-4).
He has been faithful to God's messengers (1:5-8): Gaius has rendered much loving help to traveling teachers and missionaries.
John's plans concerning Gaius (1:13-14): He will visit him in the near future.
THE PRIDE OF DIOTREPHES THE EGOTIST (1:9-11)
The evil (1:9-10): John indicts this church member on six counts.
His demand to occupy the leading place (1:9a)
His refusal to receive John himself (1:9b)
His slander of the other apostles (1:10a)
His unwillingness to entertain missionaries (1:10b)
His attempts to excommunicate other believers (1:10c)
His utterly wicked character (1:10d)
The exhortation (1:11): "Don't let this bad example influence you."
THE PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF DEMETRIUS THE EXAMPLE (1:12)
His associates hold him in highest esteem (1:12a).
The apostle holds him in highest esteem (1:12b).
JOHN'S BENEDICTION (1:15): "May God's peace be with you."