So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach 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.
- 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.
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 Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
- 1 Cor 3:5–9Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him?
- 2 Cor 7:2–3Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.
- Phlm 1:24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
- 2 Cor 6:1Working together, we entreat also that you not receive the grace of God in vain,
- 2 Cor 8:23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ.
- Col 4:11and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.
- Phil 4:3Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
- 1 Th 3:2and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;
- 3 Jn 1:10Therefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
- Matt 10:40He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.
- Phlm 1:2to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house:
- Matt 10:14Whoever doesn’t receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet.
- Luke 11:7and he from within will answer and say, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give it to you’?
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.