3 John 1:8

8 We, therefore, ought to receive such, that we might be fellow workers to 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 who have borne witness of thy charity before the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones}, whom if thou wilt help them as is convenient according to God, thou shalt do well;

7 because for his name’s sake, they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

8 We, therefore, ought to receive such, that we might be fellow workers to the truth.

9 I wrote unto the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones}, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, did not receive us.

10 Therefore, if I come, I will cause his deeds to be understood, speaking against us with malicious words, and not content with this, he does not receive the brethren and forbids those that desire to receive them and casts them out of the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones}.