What does 3 John 1:6 mean?
ESV: who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.
NIV: They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God.
NASB: and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
CSB: They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God,
NLT: They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.
KJV: 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:
NKJV: who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,
Verse Commentary:
John received reports about the love Gaius had shown to fellow believers. These were mostly traveling Christians. Apparently, Gaius not only treated them well, but shared resources with them. Even though they were not close friends or family, they were cared for. Through housing, food, or money, Gaius and his congregation were supporting many traveling teachers and missionaries. John commended these actions. In 3 John 1:7–8 John gives further reasons why their support is so important. One reason, given in verse 7, is so that the work of God won't depend on support from non-believers. Christians ought to care about the spread of the gospel, and the support of those who work for it. John will go on to give both a negative (3 John 1:9–10) and a positive example of church leaders later in this letter (3 John 1:11–12).
Verse Context:
Third John 1:1–8 introduces the writer as “the elder,” which tradition says is the apostle John. It specifies that the letter is meant for Gaius, who is praised for his positive reputation. In particular, Gaius is applauded for caring for missionaries and other traveling Christians. This is especially important to John, so those preaching the truth aren’t dependent on the support of non-believers.
Chapter Summary:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Chapter Context:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Book Summary:
Third John consists of just one chapter. This is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow believer, Gaius. “Truth” is mentioned six times in this book's brief 15 verses. Gaius is praised for his commitment to Christian service. At the same time, John condemns the actions of Diotrephes, a church member causing problems. After mentioning the good reputation of a man named Demetrius, John closes his letter in the hope of coming to see Gaius face-to-face. This upcoming meeting seems to be why the letter is so short.
Accessed 11/21/2024 5:30:39 PM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
