3 John 1 6

3 John 1:6 kjv

Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

3 John 1:6 nkjv

who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,

3 John 1:6 niv

They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God.

3 John 1:6 esv

who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.

3 John 1:6 nlt

They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.

3 John 1 verses

3 John 1 6 Meaning

Third John 1:6 conveys John's heartfelt commendation of Gaius for his demonstrated love towards fellow believers, specifically itinerant missionaries. These missionaries had returned to John's church, bearing witness to Gaius's gracious hospitality and care. John then encourages Gaius to continue supporting such traveling ministers for their journeys "in a manner worthy of God," implying generous and appropriate provisions for their onward travels, thereby reflecting God's character and purposes. This act of continued support, John affirms, is seen as doing "excellently" or "well" in the sight of God.

3 John 1 6 Context

Third John is a concise letter from "The Elder" (traditionally John the Apostle) to Gaius, a faithful Christian. The immediate context of verse 6 follows John's commendation of Gaius for his commitment to truth (v. 3-4) and his hospitality shown to "the brothers" – itinerant Christian missionaries or teachers (v. 5). These individuals had journeyed from Gaius's location to John's assembly, bringing with them a personal testimony of Gaius's love and gracious conduct.

The broader context of 3 John revolves around the vital role of hospitality in the early Christian movement. Traveling evangelists and teachers were crucial for spreading the Gospel and edifying local churches. They relied heavily on the support and hospitality of fellow believers, as there were no formal church structures or stipends to support them institutionally. The letter highlights a contrast between Gaius's praiseworthy hospitality and the negative behavior of Diotrephes, who refused to receive these missionaries and even cast out those who did. Thus, John encourages Gaius to continue his practice of equipping and providing for these Christian workers, emphasizing that such acts honor God and are essential for the advancement of His Kingdom.

3 John 1 6 Word analysis

• who (οἵ / hoi): A relative pronoun, specifically referring back to "the brothers" mentioned in verse 5, identifying them as the individuals who brought the testimony about Gaius.

• have testified (ἐμαρτύρησαν / emartyresan): From martyreō, meaning "to bear witness, to give testimony, to certify." This indicates a firsthand, public account given by the traveling missionaries about Gaius's hospitality and love. It implies a positive and affirmed report.

• to your (σου / sou): Possessive pronoun, belonging to Gaius.

• love (ἀγάπῃ / agapē): Refers to the self-sacrificial, divine love that characterizes Christians. In this context, it is concretely demonstrated through Gaius's active hospitality and care for others, going beyond mere sentiment to tangible action.

• before (ἐνώπιον / enōpion): Meaning "in the presence of, before the eyes of." It highlights that the testimony was given publicly, not in secret, which validated Gaius's reputation among believers.

• the church (ἐκκλησίας / ekklēsias): The assembly of believers, likely referring to the local church where John resided, indicating a community acknowledgment of Gaius's commendable actions.

• If you send them on their journey (καλῶς ποιήσεις προπέμψας αὐτοὺς / kalōs poiēseis propempsas autous):

  • If: Not indicating doubt about Gaius's willingness, but rather presenting an opportunity or exhortation for continued action. It functions as an encouragement.
  • send them on their journey (προπέμψας / propempsas): From propempō, meaning "to send forward, to escort, to accompany on a journey, to furnish someone with the necessities for a journey." This term implies providing not just hospitality for a stay, but also resources (provisions, money, perhaps escorts) for their continued travels. It is about equipping them for the next leg of their mission. This verb often carries the connotation of a considerate and well-supplied send-off.

• in a manner worthy (ἀξίως / axiōs): An adverb derived from axios, meaning "worthily, appropriately, suitably, in a manner befitting." It defines the quality and standard of the "sending forth." The provision should be commensurate with the high calling of those being supported.

• of God (τοῦ θεοῦ / tou theou): This specifies the ultimate standard for the worthiness. The sending forth should be done in a way that honors God, reflects His generous character, and contributes to His divine purposes, thus reflecting His glory. It implies the act is sacred.

• you will do well (ποιήσεις καλῶς / poiēseis kalōs): From poieō (to do, to make) and kalōs (well, excellently, rightly, nobly). This phrase is a strong affirmation and commendation from John. It signifies God's approval and blessing on Gaius's actions, indicating that such deeds are righteous and bring favor.

Words-group analysis:

• "who have testified to your love before the church": This phrase emphasizes the public and authenticated nature of Gaius's commendation. His practical demonstration of Christian love, specifically through hospitality, was witnessed by "the brothers" and then reported and affirmed within another Christian assembly. This established his good reputation and highlighted the visible impact of his godliness.
• "If you send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God": This is the core instruction and encouragement of the verse. It moves beyond just receiving guests to actively supporting their ongoing mission. "Send them on their journey" implies practical, material assistance for their next leg of travel. The crucial modifier "worthy of God" sets a divine standard for this act of provision, meaning it should be done generously, sincerely, and with the utmost respect, reflecting the very character and purposes of the God they serve. It elevates the act of support from mere charity to a sacred contribution to God's work.
• "you will do well": This simple but potent affirmation underscores divine approval. John, as an apostle, provides a powerful endorsement of Gaius's past actions and an encouragement for his future commitment. It suggests that such faithful support for God's servants brings commendation not just from men, but ultimately from God Himself.

3 John 1 6 Bonus section

• Partnership in Truth: This verse implicitly connects to John's later statement in 3 John 1:8, where supporting those who go out for "the sake of the Name" makes believers "fellow workers for the truth." Gaius's acts of hospitality and provision are seen as direct contributions to the spread of the Gospel.
• Counter-Example to Diotrephes: This commendation of Gaius for his proactive support stands in stark contrast to Diotrephes, mentioned later in the chapter (v. 9-10), who refused to receive the brothers and even cast out those who did. Gaius embodies the spirit of hospitality and love that Diotrephes despises.
• Emphasis on Deeds: The commendation is not based on mere words or intentions, but on demonstrable "love" expressed through actions – specifically hospitality and providing for travel. This reinforces the biblical principle that faith is perfected by works (Jas 2:22).
• Significance of Itinerant Ministry: The passage highlights the critical role of traveling missionaries and teachers in the early church and how dependent they were on the practical support of local believers. This network of personal hospitality was fundamental to the spread of Christianity before formalized institutions.

3 John 1 6 Commentary

3 John 1:6 serves as a powerful commendation and exhortation, revealing essential aspects of early Christian practice and spiritual living. It builds upon Gaius's previously demonstrated "love" (v. 5), which materialized in practical hospitality towards traveling believers. These itinerant "brothers," upon returning to John's community, publicly "testified" to Gaius's genuine affection and provision, underscoring the vital network of mutual support in the early church. The core of the verse lies in the encouragement to "send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God." This isn't merely a polite farewell, but an active, generous provisioning for their continued travels—covering needs like food, lodging, or funds for the next leg of their mission. To do this "worthily of God" means acting with a generosity and standard befitting the God they serve and the sacredness of the Gospel mission. Such acts of faithful support for those who go out for "the sake of the Name" (v. 7) are not merely charity; they are seen as acts of devotion to God Himself, signifying a true partnership in spreading the Gospel. John's concluding affirmation, "you will do well," assures Gaius of divine approval for his commendable stewardship and Christ-like hospitality.Practical examples could include churches providing financial or logistical support to missionaries, individuals hosting Bible teachers or evangelists in their homes, or believers contributing funds to equip Christian workers for service in foreign lands.