What is the shortest book in the bible?

3 John: The Shortest Book

3 John is the shortest book in the Bible, with only 219 words in the original Greek text. It's a personal letter from the apostle John (likely the same John who wrote the Gospel of John and the other two Johannine epistles) to a man named Gaius.

The letter commends Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling Christian missionaries. John also warns against the disruptive behavior of a man named Diotrephes, who loves to be first and refuses to welcome the brothers.

Key Subjects:

• Hospitality - Commendation of Gaius's generous welcoming of traveling Christians.
• Christian%20Fellowship - Importance of supporting and encouraging fellow believers.
• Diotrephes - Warning against those who seek power and disrupt the church.
• Truth - The importance of walking in truth and living a life consistent with Christian teachings.
• Demetrius - A commendation of Demetrius for his good reputation.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of 3 John is to encourage Gaius to continue his support of faithful missionaries, to warn against the negative influence of Diotrephes, and likely to introduce Demetrius to Gaius as a trustworthy messenger. It highlights the importance of love, hospitality, and discernment within the Christian community.