3 John 1:8 kjv
We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
3 John 1:8 nkjv
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
3 John 1:8 niv
We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
3 John 1:8 esv
Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
3 John 1:8 nlt
So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.
3 John 1 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Matt 10:40-42 | "Whoever receives you receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me... reward..." | Receiving messengers is receiving Christ. |
| Matt 25:34-40 | "...I was a stranger and you welcomed Me..." | Hospitality as service to Christ. |
| Luke 10:7-8 | "Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages." | Workers deserve support; hospitality for missionaries. |
| Rom 12:13 | "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." | General command for hospitality. |
| Rom 16:3 | "Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus..." | Partnership in ministry. |
| 1 Cor 3:9 | "For we are God's fellow workers." | Believers are partners with God. |
| 1 Cor 9:14 | "In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." | Supporting those who preach. |
| 2 Cor 6:1 | "Working together with Him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain." | Believers called to co-labor with God. |
| Gal 6:6 | "One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches." | Reciprocal support for teachers. |
| Phil 2:25 | "...Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier..." | Acknowledging a co-worker in ministry. |
| Phil 4:14-16 | "You sent me aid again and again when I was in need." | Support for apostolic ministry. |
| Col 4:11 | "...these alone are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God..." | Identifying specific co-workers. |
| Heb 13:2 | "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." | Command to be hospitable. |
| 1 Pet 4:9 | "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." | Mutual hospitality among believers. |
| Josh 1:9 | "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” | God supports those sent for His Name. |
| Pss 68:11 | "The Lord gives the word; great is the company of those who proclaim it." | Divine enabling for those who spread the word. |
| Psa 119:30 | "I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me." | The importance of committing to "the truth." |
| Prov 11:30 | "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise." | Contributing to soul-winning. |
| Isa 52:7 | "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news..." | Commends those who spread the gospel. |
| Zech 8:20-23 | "Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem..." | Future ingathering enabled by proclamation. |
| 2 Tim 2:15 | "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." | Handling "the truth" correctly. |
| Eph 4:12 | "...for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry..." | The role of ministry for mutual building. |
| Deut 25:4 | "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." | Principle of fair compensation/support for workers. |
3 John 1 verses
3 John 1 8 Meaning
Third John 1:8 articulates the divine obligation for believers to extend hospitality and material support to itinerant missionaries and evangelists. By doing so, they become co-laborers or partners in the essential work of proclaiming and establishing the truth of the Gospel. It underscores that active participation in God's mission is not limited to those who preach, but also includes those who faithfully provide for them, sharing in their labor and reward for the sake of the Kingdom.
3 John 1 8 Context
The Third Epistle of John is a concise personal letter written by "the elder" (the Apostle John) to Gaius, a faithful Christian believer commended for his love and truth. The immediate context of 3 John 1:8 follows John's praise of Gaius in verses 5-7 for his hospitality to "brothers, and especially to strangers, who have gone out for the sake of the Name and are receiving nothing from the Gentiles." These "brothers" were itinerant Christian missionaries or evangelists. The verse establishes the normative principle and imperative for how believers like Gaius should respond to such workers. It stands in stark contrast to the ungodly behavior of Diotrephes (mentioned in vv. 9-10), who actively opposed and refused to receive these very same missionaries, even excommunicating those who did show hospitality. Historically, early Christian mission relied heavily on the hospitality of believers in various locations, as there were no formal mission societies or established lodging networks.
3 John 1 8 Word analysis
- Therefore (οὖν, oun): This conjunctive particle signifies a logical conclusion or inference based on the preceding statements (especially Gaius's commendable actions and the nature of the missionaries). It introduces a strong inference, "for this reason."
- we ought (ὀφείλομεν, opheilomen): Derived from opheilō, meaning "to owe, to be under obligation, to be indebted." It indicates a strong moral, even spiritual, imperative or duty. It's not optional but a debt that believers are obligated to repay, akin to a responsibility or liability.
- to support (ὑπολαμβάνειν, hupolambanein): Lit. "to take up, to receive under, to welcome." This implies more than just casual reception; it means to receive hospitably, to care for, to welcome with full provision and protection, offering refuge and aid. It includes lodging, food, and anything else necessary for their journey and work.
- such people (τοιούτους, toioutous): Refers directly to the "brothers, and especially to strangers" mentioned in verse 5 and particularly those in verse 7: "for they have gone out for the sake of the Name and are receiving nothing from the Gentiles." It specifically identifies Christian itinerant workers who labor for Christ.
- so that (ἵνα, hina): Introduces a purpose clause, stating the ultimate goal or intent behind the act of supporting these workers. It highlights the intended outcome of their hospitality.
- we may be fellow workers (συνεργοί, synergoi): From syn (with) and ergon (work). This powerful term means "co-workers, partners, collaborators." It signifies an active partnership or participation in the ministry. By supporting those who go out, believers who stay become essential participants in the same work.
- for the truth (τῇ ἀληθείᾳ, tē alētheia): Dative case. "The truth" in John's writings primarily refers to the revealed truth of God in Jesus Christ—the Gospel message. It indicates the sphere, purpose, and object of their co-labor. The combined effort serves to advance and propagate this divine truth.
Words-group analysis
- we ought to support such people: This phrase encapsulates the core command. "We ought" establishes the binding nature of the duty for all believers (represented by "we"). "Support such people" identifies the specific recipients—itinerant Christian missionaries—and the practical action required—provision and hospitality.
- so that we may be fellow workers for the truth: This outlines the profound theological purpose and reward of fulfilling the duty. The seemingly simple act of hospitality is elevated to a partnership in God's saving mission. Supporting the laborers means sharing in their labor and its divine outcome, advancing "the truth" of the Gospel to a world in need. This means the person providing the physical means (lodging, food, funds) becomes an integral part of the spiritual mission, as much as the one speaking the word.
3 John 1 8 Bonus section
The act of support mentioned in 3 John 1:8 signifies more than financial or material aid; it also includes emotional and spiritual encouragement. When believers "support such people," they provide not just for their physical needs but also become a source of comfort, prayer, and encouragement, which is vital for those facing the hardships of itinerant ministry. This verse implicitly teaches the principle of spiritual interdependence within the body of Christ—no one is meant to do Kingdom work alone. Furthermore, the phrasing "fellow workers for the truth" highlights the importance of aligning one's actions with the truth of the Gospel. It’s not simply support for anyone, but for those who faithfully serve and propagate God's revealed truth. This underscores the need for discernment in whom one supports in ministry.
3 John 1 8 Commentary
Third John 1:8 lays a foundational principle for Christian fellowship and mission: active participation in the work of God. It transforms the act of hospitality from a mere social courtesy into a vital spiritual co-labor. By welcoming and sustaining missionaries who journey for "the Name" (Christ's authority and Gospel), believers do not just give charitably; they intrinsically connect themselves to the evangelistic effort. This shared endeavor means that those who support are considered partners with those who proclaim, sharing equally in the responsibility and the spiritual rewards. It implies that the spread of the Gospel is a collective, synergistic effort of the entire body of Christ, each member playing an indispensable role, whether by going or by supporting those who go. Practical examples include opening homes to traveling pastors, donating resources to missionary causes, or providing care packages for those on the mission field, understanding these acts as direct contributions to the Kingdom.