3 John 1

3 John · Chapter 1

3 John 1:8

1The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;6Which 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:7Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:14But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

King James Version (1769)

Other translations

VerseKJVBSBASV
8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.

In context

AI-assisted, sourced

The elder has just praised Gaius for helping travelling Christian workers who went out for Christ's name and took nothing from the Gentiles. This verse draws the conclusion: believers ought to welcome such workers, and by doing so they share in the work of the truth. It sets up the contrast with Diotrephes, who refused to receive them. 3 John 1:53 John 1:63 John 1:73 John 1:83 John 1:93 John 1:10

Speaking"The elder," who does not give his name. Early Christian tradition identifies him as John the apostle. Some scholars think he was a different church leader. 3 John 1:13 John overview

ToGaius, a believer the elder loves and counts among his children in the faith. The "we" includes the elder, Gaius and believers like them. 3 John 1:13 John 1:43 John overviewStrong's G3165

Also involvedThe travelling brethren and strangers who went out for Christ's name and depended on churches to house them and send them on. 3 John 1:53 John 1:73 John overview

The verse states a duty: we ought to receive and welcome such workers. It gives the reason: so that we become fellow workers with the truth they carry. Paul uses similar language of believers as labourers together with God. 3 John 1:8Strong's G3784Strong's G5274Strong's G49041 Corinthians 3:91 Thessalonians 3:2

The letter does not say where it was written. Early tradition places John's last years in Ephesus. It was sent to a church where Gaius lived, likely in the province of Asia. 3 John overview

ACHAIAASIAGALATIAPHRYGIAAegean SeaEphesusPatmosSmyrnaPergamumThyatiraSardisPhiladelphiaLaodicea

The eventsThe letter describes an ongoing situation. Workers had come to Gaius's church, and Gaius had helped them. Diotrephes was turning such visitors away. 3 John 1:33 John 1:53 John 1:63 John 1:10

WrittenTraditional view: about AD 85-95, around the time of 1 and 2 John. Scholarly view: most scholars also place it in the late first century, while some think the elder was not the apostle. 3 John overview

HereTo commend Gaius's hospitality and urge it as a shared duty. It also prepares for the elder's rebuke of Diotrephes, who would not receive the brethren. 3 John overview3 John 1:83 John 1:10

In the whole of ScriptureThose who support gospel workers share in the work itself. The New Testament elsewhere speaks of believers as labourers together with God and fellowlabourers in the gospel. 3 John overview1 Corinthians 3:92 Corinthians 6:11 Thessalonians 3:2

For readersNot everyone travels or preaches. But welcoming and helping those who do is a real way to take part in spreading the truth. 3 John 1:73 John 1:83 John overview

  • oughtὀφείλω
    Greek · opheilō · G3784

    The word means to owe or be a debtor. With a following verb it means to be bound or obliged to do something, as in John 13:14. Welcoming these workers is a duty, not merely a kindness. Strong's G3784

  • receiveὑπολαμβάνω
    Greek · hupolambanō · G5274

    Here the word means to receive, welcome or entertain. The lexicon lists this verse for that sense. It points to practical hospitality like the help Gaius gave. Strong's G52743 John 1:53 John 1:6

  • fellowhelpersσυνεργός
    Greek · sunergos · G4904

    The word means a fellow worker. Paul uses it of his co-workers, as in Romans 16:3 and Philippians 2:25, and of believers as God's fellow workers in 1 Corinthians 3:9. Here it places those who give hospitality alongside the workers themselves. Strong's G49041 Corinthians 3:9

  • truthἀλήθεια
    Greek · alētheia · G0225

    The word can mean religious truth, especially Christian teaching, or sincerity of character. Truth runs through this letter: Gaius walks in the truth (1:3-4). Strong's G02253 John 1:33 John 1:4

Takeaway

Welcoming and supporting those who serve Christ is something believers owe. By doing it, they become partners in the work of the truth. 3 John 1:8Strong's G3784Strong's G4904

Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a second AI pass. Updated 2026-10-23.

The world around the text

Behind this verse

Travelling teachers
Christian teachers and messengers moved between cities and lodged with believers. An early church manual, the Didache, tells churches to welcome a travelling teacher who teaches the truth, but says one who stays three days, or asks for money, is a false prophet. Acts 18:27Romans 16:1-2Didache 11.1-6

About AD 85-95. Roman emperor: Domitian (AD 81-96). Where early tradition places John's last years. The greatest city of the province of Asia, on the west coast of today's Turkey.

Who ruled
  • Roman emperorDomitianAD 81-96

    Son of Vespasian and brother of Titus. Suetonius says he had himself styled "our Lord and God" in official letters. Early Christian writers say John was exiled to Patmos in his reign. Suetonius, Domitian 13Revelation 1:9Irenaeus, Against Heresies 5.30.3Eusebius, Church History 3.18

  • Roman emperorsNerva and TrajanAD 96-98, 98-117

    After Domitian was murdered in AD 96 the Senate chose the elderly Nerva, who adopted the general Trajan. Early tradition says John lived on in Ephesus into Trajan's reign. Suetonius, Domitian 14-17Cassius Dio, Roman History 68.1-4Irenaeus, Against Heresies 2.22.5

  • Governor of the province of AsiaThe proconsul of AsiaOne-year terms

    Asia was governed by a proconsul appointed for a year at a time, who heard cases in its leading cities, Ephesus among them. Acts 19:38Strabo, Geography 17.3.25

  • King of ParthiaPacorus IIc. AD 78-110

    Ruler of the Parthian empire beyond the Euphrates, Rome's great rival in the east, at peace with Rome through these years. Cassius Dio, Roman History 68.17

What was happening, AD 70 to AD 96
  1. AD 70
    WarJerusalem and its temple destroyed

    Roman armies under Titus took Jerusalem after a long siege and burned the temple, as Jesus had foretold. Josephus, Jewish War 6.249-287Luke 21:5-6Luke 21:20-24

  2. August AD 79
    DisasterVesuvius buries Pompeii

    The eruption of Vesuvius buried Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pliny the Younger watched it from across the bay; his uncle Pliny the Elder died trying to rescue people. Pliny the Younger, Letters 6.16, 6.20

  3. AD 80
    BuildingThe Colosseum opens in Rome

    Titus opened the great amphitheater begun by his father Vespasian with 100 days of games. Suetonius, Titus 7.3Cassius Dio, Roman History 66.25

  4. AD 83 or 84
    WarRome's furthest push into Britain

    The governor Agricola defeated the Caledonians at Mons Graupius in what is now Scotland, and his fleet sailed around the north of Britain. Tacitus, Agricola 29-38

  5. AD 85-89
    WarWar with the Dacians

    The Dacians crossed the Danube and killed a Roman governor. After years of fighting, Domitian made a peace that paid their king Decebalus a yearly subsidy. Suetonius, Domitian 6Cassius Dio, Roman History 67.6-7

  6. c. AD 89
    BuildingEphesus builds a temple to the emperors

    Ephesus won the honor of a provincial temple for the worship of the emperors, the Temple of the Sebastoi, with a colossal statue of an emperor. Its remains stand in the city's upper square. Temple of the Sebastoi, Ephesus (excavated remains and inscriptions)

  7. AD 93-94
    DiscoveryJosephus finishes his history of the Jews

    In Rome the Jewish historian Josephus completed his Antiquities of the Jews, which mentions John the Baptist, James the brother of Jesus, and Jesus himself. Josephus, Antiquities 20.267Josephus, Antiquities 18.116-119, 20.200

  8. c. AD 95
    The churchJohn on Patmos

    John was on the island of Patmos "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" when he received the Revelation. Early writers date this to the end of Domitian's reign. Revelation 1:9Irenaeus, Against Heresies 5.30.3

  9. c. AD 96
    The churchClement of Rome writes to Corinth

    The church at Rome sent a letter, traditionally by Clement, to settle a dispute at Corinth where younger members had removed their elders. It is one of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament. 1 Clement 1, 44, 47

  10. September AD 96
    RulersDomitian is murdered

    Domitian was killed in a palace plot. The Senate condemned his memory and chose Nerva as emperor. Suetonius, Domitian 14-17, 23

The full picture: places, culture and daily life. Scripture first, then ancient writers on these years (Suetonius, Tacitus, Cassius Dio, Josephus, Pliny, Irenaeus, Eusebius). The letter names no place, so the setting follows early tradition. Drafted by Claude and not yet reviewed by a person.

Original Greek words

EnglishGreekSay itStrong'sMeaning
We ourselvesἡμεῖςhēmeisG3165
me

μέ (me) 1. apostrophe for με. 2. rarely for μοι, (Homer) (ML)

thereforeοὖνounG3767
therefore/then

οὖν (oun) οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), …

oughtὀφείλομενopheilomenG3784
to owe

ὀφείλω (opheilō) ὀφείλω [in LXX: Deu.15:2, Isa.24:2 (נָשָׁה), Eze.18:7 (חוֹב), Wis.12:15, 20, al. ;] to owe, be a debtor: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.18:28, Luk.7:41 16:7, Phm 18; id. with dative of person(s), Mat.18:28, Luk.16:5. Pass., to be owed, to be due: τ. ὀφειλόμενον, Mat.18:30, 34. Metaphorical: absol. (= Rabbinic חַיָּב; see McNeile, in l), Mat.23:16, 18; with accusative of thing(s) and dative of person(s), Rom.13:8; with inf., to be bound or obliged to do (of. Westc., Epp. Jo., 50), Luk.17:10, Jhn.13:14 19:7, Act.17:29, Rom.15:1, 27, 1Co.5:10 7:36 9:10 11:7 11:10, 2Co.12:14, Eph.5:28, 2Th.1:3 …

to receiveὑπολαμβάνεινhupolambaneinG5274
to take up/suppose

ὑπολαμβάνω (hupolambanō) ὑπο-λαμβάνω [in LXX: Job.2:4 4:1 and frequently (עָנָה), Psa.48:9 (דָּמָה pi.), Tob.6:17, Wis.17:2, 3Ma.3:8 3Mac 3:11, al. ;] 1. to take or bear up (by supporting from beneath): with accusative of person(s), Act.1:9. 2. to receive, welcome, entertain (Xen.): III Jn 8. 3. to catch up in speech (Hdt., al.; Jb, ll. with): Luk.10:30. 4. Of mental action, to assume, suppose (Xen., al.; To, Wis, 3Mac, ll. with): Act.2:15; before ὅτι (see Bl., § 70, 2), Luk.7:43.† (AS)

such [men]τοιούτουςtoioutousG5108
such as this

τοιοῦτος (toioutos) τοιοῦτος, -αύτη, -οῦτο (as usually in Att.. prose. Ep. and Ion. neut. -οῦτον in Al., Act.21:25, Rec. only), correlat. of οἷος, ὁποῖος, ὥς, etc., such as this, of such a kind, such: Mat.9:8 18:5, Mrk.4:33 6:2 7:13 9:37 (T, τούτων), Jhn.9:16, Act.16:24, 1Co.5:1 11:16, 2Co.3:4 3:12 12:3, Heb.7:26 8:1 12:3 13:16, Jas.4:16; οἷος . . . τ., 1Co.15:48, 2Co.10:11; id. pleonast. (see Bl., § 50, 4), Mrk.13:19; before ὁποῖος, Act.26:29; ὥς, Phm 9. As subst., anarth: pl., Luk.9:9; with art., ὁ τ., such a one (Bl., § 47, 9; Ellic. on Gal.5:21): Act.22:22, 1Co.5:5, al.; pl., Mat.19:14, Mrk.10:14, al.; neut …

so thatἵναinaG2443
in order that/to

ἵνα (hina) ἵνα, I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), 1. of place, where, whither. 2. of circumstance, when. II. Conjunction, 1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); (a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); …

fellow workersσυνεργοὶsunergoiG4904
co-worker

συνεργός (sunergos) συνεργός, -όν [in LXX: 2Ma.8:7 Mac 14:5 * ;] a fellow-worker: with genitive of person(s), Rom.16:3, 9 16:21, Php.2:25 4:3, 1Th.3:2, Rec., Phm 1 24; θεοῦ (cf. Lft., Notes, 41, 188), 1Co.3:9 (pl.), 1Th.3:2 [WH] R, mg. (R, txt., διάκονον τοῦ θ.; on the original reading, see ICC, in l); τ. χαρᾶς ὑηῶν, 2Co.1:24; τ. ἀληθείᾳ, III Jn 8; before εἰς, 2Co.8:23, Col.4:11.† (AS)

we may beγινώμεθαginōmethaG1096
to be

γίνομαι (ginomai) γίνομαι, Ion. and κοινή for Att. γίγν- (M. Pr., 47; Bl., §6, 8 Mayser, 166 f.), [in LXX chiefly for היה ;] 1. of persons, things occurrences, to come into being, be born, arise, come on: Jhn.1:15 8:58, 1Co.15:37; a first appearance in public, Mrk.1:4, Jhn.1:6, al.; before ἐκ (of birth), Rom.1:3, Gal.4:4; διά, Jhn.1:3; βροντή, Jhn.12:29; σεισμός, Rev.6:12; γογγυσμός, Act.6:1; χαρά, Act.8:8, many other similar exx.; ἡμέρα, Luk.22:66, al.; ὀψέ, Mrk.11:19; πρωΐα, Mat.27:1; νύξ, Act.27:27. …

truth.ἀληθείᾳ.¶alētheiaG0225
truth

ἀλήθεια (alētheia) ἀλήθεια, -ας, ἡ (ἀληθής), [in LXX chiefly for אֱמֶת (on which, see Cremer, 627f.), אֱמוּנָה ;] truth (see DB, iv, 818f.). 1. Objectively, "the reality lying at the basis of an appearance; the manifested, veritable essence of a matter" (Cremer, 86): Rom.9:1, al.; of religious truth, Rom.1:25, al.; esp. of Christian doctrine, Gal.2:5, al.; ἀ. θεοῦ, Rom.15:8. 2. Subjectively, truthfulness, truth, not merely verbal (cl.), but sincerity and integrity of character: Jhn.8:44, 3Jo.3. …

Words and meanings from STEPBible data (Tyndale House, Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). The capitalized syllable is the stressed one.