3 John 1:8

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

3 John 1:8 Meaning and Commentary

3 John 1:8

We therefore ought to receive such
We who are Jews, that have believed in Christ, for such an one Gaius, it seems, as well, as the apostle, were, ought to receive such preachers of the word into our houses, and entertain them cheerfully, while they continue, and supply them with all necessaries when they depart:

that we might be fellow helpers to the truth;
that is, to the Gospel, and the propagation of it in the world: some are helpers to it, in preaching of it, by making use of the ministerial gifts bestowed upon them; and others are fellow helpers with them, to the same good work, by their purses, communicating freely to the support of those, who labour in the word and doctrine; and these latter have the honour to be co-workers, or fellow labourers with the former, as the word here used signifies. The Alexandrian copy reads, "fellow helpers to the church", that so the whole burden of taking care of these ministers might not lie upon them. The Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "fellow helpers of the truth".

3 John 1:8 In-Context

6 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,
7 since it was for the sake of HaShem that they went out without accepting anything from the Goyim.
8 It is we, therefore, who should support such people; so that we may share in their work for the truth.
9 I wrote something to the congregation; but Diotrephes, who likes to be the macher among them, doesn't recognize our authority.
10 So if I come, I will bring up everything he is doing, including his spiteful and groundless gossip about us. And as if that weren't enough for him, he refuses to recognize the brothers' authority either; moreover, he stops those who want to do so and tries to drive them out of the congregation!
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.