We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
Parallel translations
- WEB We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
- BSB Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for 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 16:10–11Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
- 1 Cor 3:5–9Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
- 2 Cor 7:2–3Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
- Phlm 1:24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
- 2 Cor 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
- 2 Cor 8:23Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
- Col 4:11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
- Phil 4:3And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
- 1 Th 3:2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
- 3 Jn 1:10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
- Matt 10:40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
- Phlm 1:2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
- Matt 10:14And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
- Luke 11:7And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
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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
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