3 John 1 5

3 John 1:5 kjv

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

3 John 1:5 nkjv

Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,

3 John 1:5 niv

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.

3 John 1:5 esv

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are,

3 John 1:5 nlt

Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you.

3 John 1 verses

3 John 1 5 Meaning

The Apostle John commends Gaius for his faithful acts of service and support towards his fellow believers, specifically highlighting his extraordinary hospitality to those who were unknown to him previously. This verse affirms that Gaius's deeds align with the truth of the Gospel, as they are motivated by genuine faith and Christian love, extended even to itinerant missionaries who were "strangers" needing shelter and provisions in their travels.

3 John 1 5 Context

Third John is a short personal letter from "The Elder" (John) to a believer named Gaius. The overarching theme of the epistle is the practical expression of Christian love and truth within the early church, particularly regarding hospitality towards itinerant Christian missionaries. John commends Gaius for his faithful and generous support of these traveling brothers, who often had no other means of sustenance as they spread the Gospel. This verse (3 John 1:5) specifically highlights Gaius's integrity and consistency in this crucial area of Christian service, contrasting it with the hostile and self-serving behavior of a certain Diotrephes, who refused to receive the missionaries and even expelled those who did. Thus, the verse praises an individual's upright character and essential practice in a context where hospitality was paramount to the mission of the early church.

3 John 1 5 Word analysis

• Beloved (Ἀγαπητέ - Agapēte): This is a term of deep affection and spiritual endearment used by John, highlighting his profound love for Gaius. It signals the nature of their relationship and the warmth of the commendation that follows, rooted in divine agape love.

• you do faithfully (πιστὸν ποιεῖς - piston poieis):

  • faithfully (πιστὸν - piston): Means trustworthy, dependable, reliable, loyal, steadfast. It describes the quality of Gaius's actions—they are not sporadic or reluctant, but consistent and true to his Christian character. It also implies that his actions are done in true faith, consistent with the Gospel.
  • you do (ποιεῖς - poieis): Implies consistent action, an ongoing practice rather than a single event. It signifies his habitual conduct.

• whatever you do (ὃ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ - ho ean ergasē): This phrase means "whatever you work at" or "whatever you accomplish." It speaks to the effort, labor, and dedication involved in his actions, encompassing all forms of practical service and support. The phrasing indicates the breadth and extent of Gaius's generous involvement.

• for the brothers (εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφούς - eis tous adelphous): Refers to fellow Christians. In the context of early church itinerancy, these "brothers" were often Christian missionaries or evangelists who traveled from place to place proclaiming the Gospel and depending on the hospitality of local believers.

• and especially for strangers (καὶ τοῦτο ξένους - kai touto xenous):

  • and especially (καὶ τοῦτο - kai touto): This is an emphatic phrase meaning "and indeed," "and that too," or "namely, these," emphasizing the category of "strangers" as a noteworthy subgroup within "the brothers."
  • strangers (ξένους - xenous): These are literally foreigners, guests, or visitors previously unknown to Gaius. The fact that Gaius extended his faithfulness to those who were unknown to him underscores his selfless love and impartial generosity, devoid of expectation of reciprocal benefit or pre-existing acquaintance. This was crucial for missionaries traveling without fixed support networks.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Beloved, you do faithfully": Establishes the strong positive relationship between John and Gaius, affirming Gaius's character as reliable and principled in his actions. It's a statement of trust and admiration for his integrity.
  • "whatever you do for the brothers": Points to the comprehensive nature of Gaius's service. It wasn't just one act but an attitude of readiness to serve the Christian community in any capacity required, embodying the practical outflow of his faith.
  • "and especially for strangers": This highlights the ultimate test of Christian love—hospitality extended without prior obligation or relationship. It sets Gaius's actions apart, showing his love transcended personal convenience or familiar ties, reaching those most in need of welcome and support. This particularly supports the travelling missionaries who were reliant on such generosity.

3 John 1 5 Bonus section

The ancient world did not have inns or formal hotels in the way we understand them today, and those that existed were often disreputable. Therefore, traveling was inherently dangerous and dependent on private hospitality. This cultural context makes Gaius's generosity to "strangers" not just a kind act but an indispensable lifeline for itinerant preachers of the Gospel. Furthermore, his faithful provision (which could include lodging, food, and travel provisions) made him a true co-worker in the mission, effectively "sending" them forth. John later elaborates (3 John 1:8) that by doing so, "we ourselves ought to support such people, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth." Gaius, therefore, actively participated in the ministry, fulfilling a critical role in spreading the truth of Christ. His actions provide a blueprint for supporting those engaged in God's work.

3 John 1 5 Commentary

Third John 1:5 serves as a profound commendation of practical Christian living. Gaius is lauded for exemplifying agape love, not merely as an emotion, but as consistent, self-giving action. The term "faithfully" underscores the integrity, reliability, and divine alignment of his deeds; his service was not random or obligation-based, but flowed from genuine belief. By specifically mentioning "strangers" among the "brothers," John elevates Gaius's hospitality beyond casual acquaintanceship, demonstrating true generosity to those itinerating for the Gospel who had no claim on his resources or immediate reciprocity to offer. This practice was vital for the propagation of Christianity in the early church, as it sustained missionaries and affirmed communal solidarity against potential threats or rejections (like those from Diotrephes). Gaius’s faithfulness in providing for "strangers" therefore symbolizes sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's inclusive embrace, contributing directly to the advance of God's kingdom. His actions show that spiritual truth must manifest in tangible, loving service.