3 John 1:5

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 3 John 1:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;
3 John 1:5 — American Standard Version

Context — 3 John 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Beloved, thou doest faithfully, etc] Or a faithful thing, and as became a faithful man, a believer in Christ; in all his beneficence and charity he acted the upright part; he did not do it in an hypocritical way, to be seen of men, and gain applause from them, but from a principle of love, and with a view to the glory of God: whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; which may design either different persons; and by “brethren” may be meant the poor brethren of the church that. Gaius belonged to, and others that were well known to him; and by “the strangers”, not unconverted persons, but such of the saints as came from foreign parts, and travelled about to spread the Gospel,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“faithfully--an act becoming a faithful man. whatsoever thou doest--a distinct Greek word from the former "doest": translate, "workest": whatsoever work, or labor of love, thou dost perform. So Mat 26:10, "She hath wrought a good work upon me." and to strangers--The oldest manuscripts, "and that (that is, and those brethren) strangers." The fact of the brethren whom thou didst entertain being "strangers," enhances the love manifested in the act.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Beloved, thou doest faithfully - In the previous verses the writer had commended Gaius for his attachment to truth, and his general correctness in his Christian life. He now speaks more particularly of his acts of generous hospitality, and says that he had fully, in that respect, done his duty as a Christian. Whatsoever thou doest - In all your contact with them, and in all your conduct toward them. The particular thing which led to this remark was his hospitality; but the testimony respecting his general conduct had been such as to justify this commendation. To the brethren - Probably to Christians who were well known to him - perhaps referring to Christians in his own church. And to…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Faithfully - Uprightly and sincerely. 3 John 1:6”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:5-8 John now encourages Gaius to continue supporting the traveling teachers whom John had sent out (1:3). 1:5 Gaius provided hospitality for the traveling teachers (literally the brothers) sent by John from church to church to affirm the apostles’ teaching about Christ (1:7-8). By doing this, Gaius showed that he had received the truth from the apostles and that he was thus faithful to God.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 24:45; Luk 12:42, Luk 16:10-12; Co2 4:1-3; Col 3:17; Pe1 4:10, Pe1 4:11 3 John 1:6”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification