3 John 1:8

8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.

3 John 1:8 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
New Living Translation (NLT)
8 So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.
The Message Bible (MSG)
8 So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.
American Standard Version (ASV)
8 We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
8 We must support believers who go on trips like this so that we can work together with them in spreading the truth.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
8 Therefore, we ought to support such men, so that we can be co-workers with the truth.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
8 So we should welcome people like them. We should work together with them 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 told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God.
7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.
8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us.
10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.
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