Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Parallel translations
- WEB We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
- KJV We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
- NKJV We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
- NASB Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we may prove to be fellow workers with the truth.
- NLT So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Because of their integrity, believers ought to welcome and support such workers, becoming fellow workers for the truth. Supporting gospel labor is itself a share in that very work.
Overview
John draws the conclusion that hospitality and support are not optional kindnesses but a duty flowing from love for the truth. By helping these missionaries, believers like Gaius become 'fellow workers,' genuine participants in the spread of the gospel. This affirms that every Christian, not only those who travel and preach, can advance the truth of Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 14
- 1 Cor 16:10–11If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
- 1 Cor 3:5–9What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.
- 2 Cor 7:2–3Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
- Phlm 1:24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
- 2 Cor 6:1As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
- 2 Cor 8:23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, to the glory of Christ.
- Col 4:11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
- Phil 4:3Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
- 1 Th 3:2We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
- 3 Jn 1:10So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.
- Matt 10:40He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.
- Phlm 1:2to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:
- Matt 10:14And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.
- Luke 11:7And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Do not bother me. My door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Faithful love shown for the sake of 'the Name' is service rendered to Christ, who is the truth in which his people walk.
How 3 John 1:8 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.