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3 John 1:6

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Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

Which {G3739} have borne witness {G3140} of thy {G4675} charity {G26} before {G1799} the church {G1577}: whom {G3739} if thou bring forward on their journey {G4311} after {G516} a godly {G2316} sort {G516}, thou shalt do {G4160} well {G2573}:

They have testified to your love in front of the congregation. You will be doing well if you send them on their way in a manner worthy of God,

They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:

Commentary

This verse from 3 John offers a glimpse into the vital role of hospitality and support within the early Christian community, specifically commending Gaius for his exemplary conduct. John, the elder, highlights that Gaius's generous love and care for traveling brethren have been publicly acknowledged and witnessed by the church. The verse then encourages Gaius to continue this practice, emphasizing that to "bring forward on their journey after a godly sort" is a commendable and righteous act.

Context

The Third Epistle of John is a very personal letter from the Apostle John to a beloved believer named Gaius. Unlike 1 John, which addresses doctrinal issues, or 2 John, which warns against false teachers, 3 John focuses on practical matters within the early church, particularly issues of hospitality, support for itinerant missionaries, and opposition from figures like Diotrephes. In the first century, Christian evangelists and teachers often traveled from city to city, relying on the hospitality of fellow believers for lodging, food, and provisions for their journey. These traveling ministers were crucial for spreading the gospel and strengthening fledgling churches. This verse confirms that Gaius had a reputation for showing Christian hospitality to these brethren, who then bore witness to his "charity" (love) when they returned to the church.

Key Themes

  • Christian Hospitality: The verse underscores the immense importance of welcoming and providing for fellow believers, especially those engaged in ministry. It was not just a social custom but a spiritual duty, reflecting the love of Christ.
  • Support for Ministry: John affirms the necessity of actively supporting those who are serving the Lord. By helping these traveling missionaries on their way, Gaius was participating directly in their evangelistic and teaching efforts. This concept resonates with the principle that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
  • Godly Conduct and Commendation: John's commendation, "thou shalt do well," signifies divine approval for actions taken "after a godly sort." This implies that the motivation, manner, and execution of their support should be worthy of God, done out of genuine faith and love, not for personal gain or recognition.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "charity" in this verse translates the Greek word agape (ἀγάπη), which signifies unconditional, self-sacrificial love—the highest form of love often associated with God's love for humanity and the love believers are to have for one another. The phrase "after a godly sort" translates the Greek axiōs theou (ἀξίως θεοῦ), meaning "worthily of God" or "in a manner worthy of God." This emphasizes that the aid provided should be done with reverence and a spirit that honors God, reflecting His character and purposes.

Practical Application

The message of 3 John 1:6 remains highly relevant for believers today. It challenges us to consider:

  • Support for Missionaries and Ministers: How can we practically support those who are sharing the Gospel, whether locally or globally? This can involve financial contributions, prayer, or providing practical assistance.
  • Open Doors and Hearts: Do we practice genuine hospitality towards fellow believers and strangers alike? This might mean opening our homes, sharing meals, or simply offering a listening ear and encouragement.
  • Motivation Matters: Our acts of service and generosity should always be "after a godly sort"—motivated by sincere love for God and others, not by obligation, pride, or expectation of return. Our actions should bring glory to God.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:12 (6 votes)

    That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

  • Philemon 1:5 (4 votes)

    Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

  • Philemon 1:7 (4 votes)

    For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

  • Titus 3:13 (4 votes)

    Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

  • Acts 15:3 (4 votes)

    And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

  • Colossians 1:10 (3 votes)

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • Acts 21:5 (3 votes)

    And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till [we were] out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.