Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read this as just about donating money, but the Greek word translated as "support" also carries the sense of standing alongside or being in partnership with. So, it's not just about giving, but about actively participating with those who are advancing the truth, sharing in their mission and labor.
Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is commending Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries who are spreading the Christian message, contrasting him with Diotrephes who refuses to welcome them. This verse directly follows John's praise for Gaius's faithfulness and generosity, and it's followed by John's intention to address Diotrephes's actions directly. Therefore, John is urging Gaius to continue, and even increase, his support for these workers as a way of actively participating in the spread of the truth.
It's easy to think of faith as a personal journey. But what if generosity is actually a core part of spreading God's message?
John is clear here: supporting those who are actively spreading the truth isn't just a nice thing to do, it's an obligation.
Shared Labor
He uses the phrase 'fellow workers,' emphasizing that when we support missionaries, teachers, or anyone faithfully proclaiming the gospel, we aren't just funding a project. We're joining them in the labor. Our resources become part of their ministry, enabling them to do the work.
Spiritual Partnership
This isn't about mere charity; it's about spiritual partnership. By giving, we become active participants in the spread of truth, sharing in the spiritual victories and impact that result from that work. It's a way to extend our own reach and influence for the kingdom.
John highlights specific people who are 'setting out' to spread the truth. What does it mean for us to stand with them?
The core of this verse is about loyalty to the truth. John commends those who prioritize proclaiming God's truth, even at potential personal cost.
Upholding What's True
Our support, in this context, is an affirmation of the truth itself. It’s saying, 'What these people are doing matters because the message they carry matters.' It’s a way to actively stand with and promote what is eternally significant.
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Discernment and Support
While John praises these travelers, it implies a need for discernment. We should support those who are genuinely 'setting out for the sake of the name,' faithfully teaching and living out the truth, not just anyone claiming to represent it.
Understand the original words
synergos · Greek Noun
Refers to those who labor alongside others in the work of the gospel, sharing in the mission, burdens, and goals of spreading the truth of Christ.
alētheia · Greek Noun
The objective, revealed reality of God, found in Christ and the gospel, which stands in contrast to falsehood and deception. It is the standard by which believers live and evaluate all things.
This verse highlights the practical need for financial and logistical support within the early church, enabling traveling missionaries and teachers to continue their work for the truth.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus Christ completes his earthly ministry, is crucified, and ascends to heaven. He commissions his followers to spread the gospel.
c. AD 40s-50s
Early Church Expansion
The Christian church rapidly expands throughout the Roman Empire, with apostles like Paul undertaking missionary journeys.
c. AD 60s
Paul's Imprisonment and Ministry
Apostle Paul, often imprisoned for his faith, continues to write letters of encouragement and instruction to churches and leaders.
c. AD 90-100— this verse
Writing of the Johannine Epistles
The Apostle John, likely in his old age and based in Ephesus, writes his epistles, including 3 John, to guide and correct the churches.
c. AD 95
Growing Church Challenges
The early church faces internal challenges like false teachers and external pressures from Roman society, requiring strong leadership and mutual support.
Paul calls believers 'God's fellow workers,' highlighting that supporting those who labor for the truth makes us participants in God's kingdom work.
Philippians 4:15-16The Philippian church supported Paul's ministry financially, and Paul explicitly states they were 'credited to them as a gift,' mirroring the idea of being partners in the gospel.
Matthew 28:19-20Jesus' Great Commission commands us to make disciples, and supporting those who go and teach is a vital way to be 'fellow workers' in fulfilling this mandate.
1 Timothy 5:17-18This passage emphasizes the importance of financially supporting elders who work hard in preaching and teaching, linking their labor to a worthy reward and our shared responsibility.
It's easy to read this as just about donating money, but the Greek word translated as "support" also carries the sense of standing alongside or being in partnership with. So, it's not just about giving, but about actively participating with those who are advancing the truth, sharing in their mission and labor.
John is commending Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries who are spreading the Christian message, contrasting him with Diotrephes who refuses to welcome them. This verse directly follows John's praise for Gaius's faithfulness and generosity, and it's followed by John's intention to address Diotrephes's actions directly. Therefore, John is urging Gaius to continue, and even increase, his support for these workers as a way of actively participating in the spread of the truth.
John is commending Gaius for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries who are spreading the Christian message, contrasting him with Diotrephes who refuses to welcome them. This verse directly follows John's praise for Gaius's faithfulness and generosity, and it's followed by John's intention to address Diotrephes's actions directly. Therefore, John is urging Gaius to continue, and even increase, his support for these workers as a way of actively participating in the spread of the truth.
"Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth." — It's easy to read this as just about donating money, but the Greek word translated as "support" also carries the sense of standing alongside or being in partnership with. So, it's not just about…
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Last reviewed October 2026