3 John 1:8

Context

Third John is a personal letter from the Apostle John to his beloved friend, Gaius. In this epistle, John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality, particularly towards itinerant Christian missionaries and teachers who traveled to spread the Gospel. The verses immediately preceding 3 John 1:8 (3 John 1:5-7) highlight that these missionaries "went forth for his name's sake, taking nothing of the Gentiles," meaning they relied on the support of fellow believers. This verse, therefore, serves as a direct instruction and encouragement for believers like Gaius to actively support and welcome such faithful servants, recognizing their vital role in the early church's evangelistic efforts.

Key Themes and Messages

• Christian Hospitality: The verse emphasizes the biblical call to "receive such" – referring to Christian workers and missionaries. This act of welcoming and providing for those serving God is a significant expression of love and faith. It reflects a core value of the early church, where believers were expected to open their homes and resources to those spreading the Word.
• Partnership in the Truth: The core purpose of this reception is "that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth." This highlights the concept of partnership in ministry. By supporting those on the front lines of evangelism, believers at home become active participants in the propagation of God's truth, sharing in their labor and reward. It signifies that supporting ministry is not merely charity but an active co-laboring for the Gospel.
• Support for Ministry: The verse underscores the importance of financial and practical support for those dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel. It acknowledges that effective ministry often requires resources and that the responsibility for providing these rests with the wider community of believers. This principle resonates with other New Testament teachings on supporting those who minister (1 Corinthians 9:14).

Linguistic Insights

• "receive" (Greek: hupolambanein - ὑπολαμβάνειν): This word implies not just a casual welcome, but a taking up, supporting, or receiving hospitably, often in one's home. It conveys the active and intentional provision of care and lodging.
• "fellowhelpers" (Greek: synergoi - συνεργοί): This powerful term means "co-workers" or "partners." It signifies a shared effort and common purpose. By receiving and supporting the missionaries, Gaius and other believers were not just donors but active participants, working alongside them for the same divine goal. This same term is used by Paul to describe those who labor with him in the Gospel (Romans 16:3).
• "the truth" (Greek: aletheia - ἀλήθεια): In John's writings, "the truth" frequently refers to the Gospel message, the revelation of God in Christ, and the way of life consistent with that revelation. To be "fellowhelpers to the truth" means to actively promote, defend, and live out the Gospel.

Practical Application

The principle of 3 John 1:8 remains profoundly relevant today. It calls believers to:

• Practice Hospitality: Be open to welcoming and supporting Christian workers, whether they are missionaries, pastors, evangelists, or those serving in other capacities. This can involve offering a meal, lodging, or simply a listening ear and encouragement.
• Actively Support Ministry: Recognize that supporting those who proclaim the truth is a vital part of our own participation in the Great Commission. This can be through financial contributions, prayer, or practical assistance.
• Become Co-Laborers: Understand that even if we are not called to be missionaries or full-time ministers, our support makes us "fellowhelpers." Our generosity and partnership enable the Gospel to reach further and impact more lives, making us integral parts of God's work in the world. As believers, we are all called to contribute to the spread of the Gospel in various ways (Ephesians 4:12).