We Ought to Support People Like These – 3 John 1:5-8

There was a long tradition in the Roman Empire of traveling teachers who expected to be paid for tutoring wealthy families’ children.  Paul experienced such traveling teachers all too often, people who came behind him, after he started a church through evangelism, who sought to put their own brand of Christianity on the new congregations (see Galatians, Philippians 3:1,2).  There is something special about a teacher who travels to your congregation to speak, a kind of honor you give him or her that may not be deserved.  As Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown,” (Mark 6:4).  This is all the more reason that churches must be discerning of those who come to them wanting to “share the gospel.”

Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.  (3 John 1:5-8 ESV)

In his second letter John warned the church not to show hospitality to enemies of the gospel, heretics, who were traveling from church to church and seeking support.  But here he urges and commends such support for the traveling preachers of the gospel who are orthodox.

Some in particular have already testified to the love shown them by Gaius and the church.  They do not take income from “Gentiles” (unbelievers) but should be supported by those who share the truth.

This is the precursor to all Christian missions.  Paul was asking for financial help in his letter to the Romans so that he could take the gospel to Spain (Romans 15:23,24).  This is an obligation on the church in the fulfillment of Jesus’ commission of us to take the gospel to all nations.