3 John 1:8

KJV

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

We {G2249} therefore {G3767} ought {G3784} to receive {G618} such {G5108}, that {G2443} we might be {G1096} fellowhelpers {G4904} to the truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It is we, therefore, who should support such people; so that we may share in their work for the truth.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

American Standard Version

We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Third John 1:8 encapsulates a foundational principle of early Christian community life, urging believers to actively support and welcome faithful itinerant missionaries and teachers. This verse underscores that by extending hospitality and practical assistance to those who proclaim the Gospel, believers become active participants—"fellowhelpers"—in the propagation of God's revealed truth, sharing in the divine mission and its spiritual rewards. It highlights the interdependent nature of ministry, where those who go forth with the message are sustained by the generous partnership of those who remain and provide.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Third John is a deeply personal letter from the Apostle John to his beloved friend, Gaius, a faithful Christian known for his hospitality. The epistle is remarkable for its focus on practical Christian living within the early church, particularly concerning the reception of traveling missionaries. Prior to [3 John 1:8](/3_john/1-8 "3 John 1:8 - Support for the Truth"), John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and love shown to "strangers" (v. 5), specifically identifying them as brothers who "went forth for his name's sake, taking nothing of the Gentiles" (v. 7). This sets the immediate stage for verse 8, which provides the theological rationale and imperative for such support. The verse directly follows this commendation, serving as a concluding exhortation that solidifies the importance of Gaius's actions and extends the principle to all believers. It contrasts sharply with the negative example of Diotrephes, mentioned immediately after, who refused to receive the brothers and even cast out those who did (vv. 9-10), thereby hindering the spread of the truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century, the spread of the Gospel relied heavily on itinerant missionaries and teachers who traveled from community to community, establishing churches and strengthening believers. Unlike pagan or Jewish religious figures who might expect payment or use temple facilities, these Christian evangelists often traveled without financial means, relying on the hospitality of fellow believers. This practice was rooted in both the Old Testament tradition of welcoming strangers and Jesus's own instructions to His disciples to rely on the hospitality of those they ministered to [Luke 10:5-7](/luke/10-5-7 "Luke 10:5-7 - Instructions for Missionaries"). Providing lodging, food, and financial support was not merely an act of charity but a crucial component of mission strategy. The early church, lacking institutional structures, depended on the generosity and commitment of individuals like Gaius to facilitate the movement of the Gospel. This context highlights the vulnerability of early missionaries and the vital role of the local church in sustaining their efforts.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [3 John](/3_john/1 "3 John - Hospitality and Truth") is the commendation of Christian hospitality and faithfulness, particularly in the context of supporting those who proclaim "the truth." This letter, alongside [2 John](/2_john/1 "2 John - Walking in Truth and Love"), emphasizes the importance of discerning true teachers from false ones, a critical concern in the early church. [3 John 1:8](/3_john/1-8 "3 John 1:8 - Supporting the Truth") contributes to the theme of **partnership in the Gospel**, illustrating how believers who cannot physically go forth can still participate actively in the mission by supporting those who do. It also reinforces the theme of **Christian discernment and love**, as hospitality is to be extended to those who are genuinely spreading "the truth" (as opposed to false teachers, as warned in [2 John 1:7-11](/2_john/1-7-11 "2 John 1:7-11 - Warning Against False Teachers")). Furthermore, the letter implicitly addresses the **struggle between truth and error**, exemplified by Gaius's adherence to truth versus Diotrephes's rejection of it. The support of "such" individuals is portrayed as a direct act of advancing God's revealed truth in the world.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ought (Greek, _opheílō'_):** This word signifies a moral obligation, a duty, or a debt. It implies that receiving these faithful workers is not merely a suggestion or an act of optional charity, but a necessary and proper response for believers. It conveys a sense of what is due or required, stemming from their shared commitment to the truth and the Gospel.
* **receive (Greek, _apolambánō'_):** More than just a casual welcome, this term means "to receive fully," "to take aside," or "to welcome as a host." It suggests a comprehensive act of hospitality, including providing lodging, food, and perhaps financial assistance. It implies an active and intentional taking in, often with the nuance of receiving what is due or expected.
* **fellowhelpers (Greek, _synergós'_):** This powerful compound word combines "syn" (with) and "ergon" (work), meaning "co-laborer" or "co-worker." It denotes a partnership in a common task or purpose. By receiving and supporting the missionaries, believers become active participants, working alongside them in the same divine mission of spreading the truth, rather than merely being passive benefactors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We therefore ought to receive such,"**: This clause establishes a clear imperative for believers. The "we therefore" connects back to the preceding verses, indicating that because these missionaries have gone forth for "His name's sake" and taken nothing from non-believers, there is a corresponding obligation for the Christian community to provide for them. "Such" refers specifically to these faithful, itinerant Christian workers and evangelists. The emphasis is on the moral duty to extend hospitality and support.
* **"that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth."**: This clause reveals the profound purpose and spiritual reward of such reception. The act of supporting these workers transforms the supporter into a "fellowhelper" or "co-worker" in the mission of the Gospel. "The truth" in John's writings often refers to the Gospel message, the revelation of God in Christ, and the way of life consistent with that revelation. Thus, by supporting those who proclaim it, believers become active partners in the propagation, defense, and living out of the divine truth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Metonymy** where "the truth" stands for the Gospel message itself and its propagation. To be "fellowhelpers to the truth" is not merely to assist an abstract concept, but to actively participate in the spread of the Christian message and the establishment of God's kingdom. There is also a strong element of **Didacticism**, as the verse functions as a direct instruction and moral imperative for the Christian community. It teaches a specific behavior (receiving missionaries) and provides its theological justification (becoming fellowhelpers to the truth). Furthermore, the concept of "fellowhelpers" itself is a form of **Metaphor**, portraying believers as co-laborers in a shared spiritual harvest, working together towards a common divine goal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The principle articulated in [3 John 1:8](/3_john/1-8 "3 John 1:8 - The Obligation of Support") is deeply rooted in the New Testament's theology of ministry and community. It highlights the interdependence within the body of Christ, where different members contribute to the same mission. Those called to "go" are sustained by those called to "send" or "support," creating a symbiotic relationship essential for the spread of the Gospel. This verse elevates acts of hospitality and financial support beyond mere charity, transforming them into acts of co-laboring with God for the advancement of His truth. It underscores that participation in the Great Commission is not limited to those who preach, but extends to all who enable and sustain such efforts, making them equally vital partners in the divine enterprise.

* [Matthew 10:40-42](/matthew/10-40-42 "Matthew 10:40-42 - Receiving Disciples")
* [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Workers")
* [Philippians 4:15-17](/philippians/4-15-17 "Philippians 4:15-17 - Partnership in Giving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless truth of [3 John 1:8](/3_john/1-8 "3 John 1:8 - Our Role in Spreading Truth") calls contemporary believers to a profound reflection on our role in the global mission of God. In an age where Christian ministry takes diverse forms, the principle of supporting those who faithfully declare "the truth" remains paramount. This support can manifest as tangible hospitality—opening our homes, sharing meals, or providing rest for pastors, missionaries, or traveling speakers. It also extends to financial contributions, prayer, and practical assistance that enable ministries to thrive and the Gospel to reach unreached communities. By actively engaging in these acts of service, we transcend the role of passive observers and become active "fellowhelpers," investing our resources, time, and prayers into the very work of God. Our partnership ensures that the message of Christ continues to transform lives, making us integral participants in the ongoing story of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I extend hospitality and support to those who are actively proclaiming the Gospel today?**
* **How does my financial giving or practical service reflect a genuine partnership in "the truth" rather than just a charitable donation?**
* **What specific ministries or individuals are faithfully spreading the truth, and how can I intentionally become a "fellowhelper" to them?**
* **How does understanding my role as a "fellowhelper" deepen my sense of purpose and participation in God's mission?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be "fellowhelpers to the truth"?**

Answer: To be "fellowhelpers to the truth" means to be co-workers or partners with those who are actively proclaiming and living out the Gospel message. It implies a shared purpose and effort in advancing God's revealed truth in the world. By supporting missionaries, evangelists, or faithful teachers (through hospitality, financial aid, or prayer), you are not merely a benefactor but an active participant in their ministry, sharing in the work and its spiritual rewards. This concept emphasizes that the spread of the Gospel is a collaborative effort within the body of Christ, where every member plays a vital role in upholding and propagating "the truth" of Christ, as seen in passages like [Philippians 1:5](/philippians/1-5 "Philippians 1:5 - Partnership in the Gospel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[3 John 1:8](/3_john/1-8 "3 John 1:8 - Christ-Centered Partnership") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is Himself "the Way, the **Truth**, and the Life" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Truth"). The "truth" that believers are called to be "fellowhelpers" to is not an abstract concept, but the living, incarnate truth revealed in Jesus Christ and proclaimed through His Gospel. When we support those who go forth for "His name's sake" [3 John 1:7](/3_john/1-7 "3 John 1:7 - Going Forth for His Name's Sake"), we are participating in Christ's own mission to seek and save the lost [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save"). Our acts of hospitality and partnership are an extension of Christ's welcoming embrace and His commission to His disciples to make disciples of all nations [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Just as Christ empowered and sent out His apostles, relying on the support of those who believed in Him, so too does the church continue His work through the interdependent partnership of those who preach and those who provide. Ultimately, to be a "fellowhelper to the truth" is to be a co-laborer with Christ Himself in the glorious work of bringing His light to a darkened world, building up His body, the church [Ephesians 4:12](/ephesians/4-12 "Ephesians 4:12 - Equipping the Saints"), and anticipating His triumphant return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 3:5

¶ Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

2 Corinthians 7:2

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

2 Corinthians 7:3

I speak not [this] to condemn [you]: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with [you].

2 Corinthians 6:1

¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.

Philemon 1:2

And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

1 Thessalonians 3:2

And 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: