Bible Strands
3 John 1:8
Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — John writes to address the practical support of traveling missionaries, contrasting their selfless ministry with Diotrephes’ refusal to accept apostolic instruction. This directive is issued to ensure continued cooperation among believers amid local resistance.
The words — The text uses ὀφείλομεν (opheilomen), meaning "we ought," and συνεργοὶ (sunergoi), meaning "fellow workers." These terms establish a binding obligation to actively collaborate in advancing the truth rather than remaining passive.
The thread — Cooperative labor for God’s mission appears in 1 Corinthians 3:5 regarding Paul and Apollos as appointed servants, 1 Corinthians 16:10 regarding Timothy’s safe passage for the Lord’s work, and 2 Corinthians 6:1 regarding believers acting as God’s fellow workers.
Why it lands — The text commands tangible support for gospel workers so that supporters become active participants in spreading the truth. This requirement demands practical cooperation and aligns the community’s resources with apostolic instruction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 3:5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, as the Lord has assigned to each his role.
- 1 Corinthians 16:10 If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
- 2 Corinthians 6:1 As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
- 2 Corinthians 7:2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
- 2 Corinthians 8:23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
- Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
- Colossians 4:11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
- Philemon 1:24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.
- Matthew 10:40 He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.