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3 John 1:8

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 3 John 1:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
3 John 1:8 — 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;
6who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:
7because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
9I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth [them] out of the church.
11Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“We therefore ought to receive such, etc] 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 labor in the word and doctrine; and…”
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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
“We--in contradistinction to "the Gentiles" or "heathen" referred to, Jo3 1:7. therefore--as they take nothing from the Gentiles or heathen. receive--The oldest manuscripts read, "take up." As they "take" nothing from the Gentiles, we ought to take them up so as to support them. fellow helpers--with them. to the truth--that is, to promote the truth.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“We therefore ought to receive such - All of us ought hospitably to entertain and help such persons. The work in which they are engaged is one of pure benevolence. They have no selfish aims and ends in it. They do not even look for the supplies of their own needs among the people to whom they go to minister; and we ought, therefore, to help them in their work, and to contribute to their support. Doubtless, the apostle meant to urge this duty particularly upon Gaius; but, in order to show that he recognized the obligation himself, he uses the term “we,” and speaks of it as a duty binding on all Christians. That we might be fellow-helpers to the truth - All Christians cannot go forth to preach…”
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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
“To receive - With all kindness. The truth - Which they preach. 3 John 1:9”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“to receive: Jo3 1:10; Mat 10:14, Mat 10:40; Luk 11:7; Co2 7:2, Co2 7:3 fellowhelpers: Co1 3:5-9, Co1 16:10, Co1 16:11; Co2 6:1, Co2 8:23; Phi 4:3; Col 4:11; Th1 3:2; Plm 1:2, Plm 1:24 3 John 1:9”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification