3 John 1:6
What does 3 John 1:6 mean?
A plain-English look at 3 John 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 3 John 1:6 means
The visiting believers reported Gaius’s love “before the church,” confirming his reputation for generous care. John urges him to continue by sending them on their way “worthily of God,” meaning in a manner that reflects God’s character—honorably, sufficiently, and with dignity. The support should match the mission’s sacred purpose. Hospitality is not only opening one’s door; it includes equipping workers to continue fruitfully. John’s wording implies that the way Christians treat Christ’s servants says something about their view of God. To help them well is to honor the One who sent them. Gaius has done this, and John encourages him to persevere in the same path.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who have given witness to the church of your love for them: and you will do well to send them on their way well cared for, as is right for servants of God:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who did testify of thy love before an assembly, whom thou wilt do well, having sent forward worthily of God,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the church. Whom thou shalt do well to bring forward on their way in a manner worthy of God:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890(who have witnessed of thy love before [the] assembly,) in setting forward whom on their journey worthily ofGod, thou wilt do well;
Context
Following the commendation of Gaius’s faithful service to brethren and strangers (v. 5), John highlights the public testimony that confirms his love and calls him to keep aiding these workers in a God-honoring way (v. 6). This leads directly to the reason believers must support them: they serve for the sake of the Name and do not seek support from outsiders (v. 7). The logic is cumulative—commendation, exhortation, rationale—which will culminate in the shared partnership language of verse 8.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 15:29
that ye abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, it shall be well with you. Fare ye well.
- 3 John 1:12
Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true.
- Romans 15:24
whensoever I go unto Spain (for I hope to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first in some measure I shall have been satisfied with your company)—
- 1 Peter 2:20
For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
- Titus 3:13
Set forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:12
to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.
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