3 John 1:7

Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

Because that {G1063} for {G5228} his {G846} name's {G3686} sake {G5228} they went forth {G1831}, taking {G2983} nothing {G3367} of {G575} the Gentiles {G1484}.

since it was for the sake of HaShem that they went out without accepting anything from the Goyim.

For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.

because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

3 John 1:7 (KJV) emphasizes the selfless motivation and financial integrity of early Christian missionaries. It highlights why these evangelists, whom Gaius was commended for supporting, conducted their ministry in a specific way.

Context

The Third Epistle of John is a short letter primarily commending Gaius for his hospitality towards traveling Christian workers and warning against Diotrephes, who refused to show such hospitality and even hindered others. Verse 7 explains a key characteristic of these true ministers: their commitment to spreading the Gospel without financial entanglement from non-believers. In the early church, itinerant preachers and missionaries traveled extensively, relying on the support of fellow believers. This verse underscores the purity of their motives and their method of operation.

Key Themes

  • Selfless Motivation: The phrase "for his name's sake" signifies that the missionaries undertook their arduous journeys not for personal gain or recognition, but solely for the glory and honor of Jesus Christ. Their mission was driven by devotion to Christ and the propagation of His message, demonstrating a profound commitment to the cause of His name.
  • Financial Integrity: By "taking nothing of the Gentiles," these workers avoided any appearance of mercenary motives or reliance on those outside the faith who might misunderstand or discredit their mission. This practice ensured that the message of the Gospel remained untainted by financial obligation or suspicion, echoing principles of independent ministry found elsewhere in the New Testament, such as Paul's own example.
  • Dependence on God and Believers: Their refusal to accept support from non-believers implicitly meant they were dependent on God's provision, channeled through the generosity and hospitality of fellow believers like Gaius. This established a vital link of fellowship and mutual support within the Christian community.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "for his name's sake" (hyper tou onomatos in Greek) is a powerful biblical idiom. It conveys acting on behalf of, for the reputation of, or in allegiance to, Christ. It emphasizes that their entire purpose and endeavor were centered on Christ's identity and authority, rather than personal ambition or worldly gain. This highlights the foundational reason for their ministry.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for Christian ministry today:

  • It reminds all who serve in ministry to examine their motives, ensuring their work is truly "for his name's sake" and not for personal profit or acclaim.
  • It encourages financial transparency and integrity in Christian organizations and individual ministries, upholding the purity of the Gospel message.
  • It underscores the importance of the church's role in supporting legitimate Gospel workers, providing for their needs so they can focus on their mission without compromise. This is a call for believers to practice Christian hospitality and generosity.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:7

    Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

  • 2 Corinthians 11:9

    And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].

  • 2 Corinthians 12:13

    For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except [it be] that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:18

    What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

  • Revelation 2:3

    And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

  • Colossians 1:24

    Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

  • 2 Corinthians 4:5

    For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
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