3 John 1:8

3 John 1:8 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
• New International Version (NIV)We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
• New King James Version (NKJV)We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

Context of 3 John 1:8

6and they have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to [assist them and] send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7For these [traveling missionaries] went out for the sake of the Name [of Christ], accepting nothing [in the way of assistance] from the Gentiles. So we ought to support such people [welcoming them as guests and providing for them], so that we may be fellow workers for the truth [that is, for the gospel message of salvation]. 9I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first, does not accept what we say and refuses to recognize my authority. 10For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, unjustly accusing us with wicked words and unjustified charges. And not satisfied with this, he refuses to receive the [missionary] brothers himself, and also forbids those who want to [welcome them] and puts them out of the church.

3 John 1:8 word by word

ἡμεῖς οὖν ὀφείλομεν ὑπολαμβάνειν τοὺς τοιούτους ἵνα συνεργοὶ γινώμεθα τῇ ἀληθείᾳ.¶Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• Weἐγώegō · I/weG1473
• thereforeοὖνoun · therefore/thenG3767
• oughtὀφείλωopheilō opheileō · to oweG3784
• to receiveἀπολαμβάνωapolambanō · to get backG618
• suchτοιοῦτοςtoioutos · such as thisG5108
• thatἵναhina · in order that/toG2443
• we might beγίνομαιginomai · to beG1096
• fellowhelpersσυνεργόςsunergos · co-workerG4904
• the truthἀλήθειαalētheia · truthG225

Cross-references for 3 John 1:8

• 3 John 1:10For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, unjustly accusing us with wicked words and unjustified charges. And not satisfied with this, he refuses to receive the [missionary] brothers himself, and also forbids those who want to [welcome them] and puts them out of the church.
• Matthew 10:14Whoever does not welcome you, nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust [of it] off your feet [in contempt, breaking all ties].
• Luke 11:7and from inside he answers, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’
• 2 Corinthians 7:2Make room for us in your hearts; we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.
• 1 Corinthians 3:5What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Just servants through whom you believed [in Christ], even as the Lord appointed to each his task.
• 1 Corinthians 16:10If Timothy comes, see to it that [you put him at ease, so that] he has nothing to fear in regard to you, for he is [devotedly] doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.
• 2 Corinthians 6:1Working together with Him, we strongly urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain [by turning away from sound doctrine and His merciful kindness].
• 2 Corinthians 8:23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker in your service; and as for the [other two] brothers, they are [special] messengers of the churches, a glory and credit to Christ.
• Philippians 4:3Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
• Colossians 4:11and from Jesus, who is called Justus. These are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision (Jewish Christians), and they have proved to be an encouragement and a comfort to me.
• 1 Thessalonians 3:2and so we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in [spreading] the good news of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you [exhorting, comforting, and establishing you] in regard to your faith,
• Philemon 1:2and to [your wife] Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier [in ministry], and to the church that meets in your house:

Commentaries on 3 John 1:8

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 8We therefore ought to receive such - Those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, and have professed the truth at the hazard of their lives, and the loss of all their worldly substance. Instead of , to receive, the most ancient and reputable MSS. have ̔, to take up, undertake for, or kindly receive. Fellow helpers to the truth - And thus encourage the persecuted, and contribute to the spread and maintenance of the Gospel.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 8We therefore ought to receive such - All of us ought hospitably to entertain and help such persons. The work in which they are engaged is one of pure benevolence. They have no selfish aims and ends in it. They do not even look for the supplies of their own needs among the people to whom they go to minister; and we ought, therefore, to help them in their work, and to contribute to their support. Doubtless, the apostle meant to urge this duty particularly…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 7-8On behalf of the Name: John did not need to specify whose name this was because early Christians understood that the Name referred to Jesus Christ (see Acts 5:41). The traveling teachers had chosen to accept nothing offered to them from people who are not Christians. Instead, they relied on the churches for support. Christians who give support to trustworthy traveling teachers share in their work as those teachers spread the truth (see Matthew 10:41–42…Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 88. We--in contradistinction to "the Gentiles" or "heathen" referred to, 3Jo 7. therefore--as they take nothing from the Gentiles or heathen. receive--The oldest manuscripts read, "take up." As they "take" nothing from the Gentiles, we ought to take them up so as to support them. fellow helpers--with them. to the truth--that is, to promote the truth.Read the comment

Topics related to 3 John 1:8

• Hospitality

In the dictionaries

• Church Government

Commentaries on 3 John 1

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings