Which 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:

3 JOHN 1:6KJV
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3 John 1:6 (KJV)

What does 3 John 1:6 mean?

3 John 1:6 praises the recipient for showing love and support to fellow believers, whose good treatment has been noticed by the whole church. The verse encourages continuing to help these travelers in a way that honors God, saying this is the right thing to do.

The apostle John is writing to Gaius, commending him for his hospitality toward Christian visitors. These visitors have reported back to the church about Gaius’s kindness. John urges Gaius to keep helping such people on their journeys, emphasizing that doing so in a manner worthy of God is praiseworthy.

The Greek behind 3 John 1:6

  • ἀγάπη (agapē, "charity"): This word means selfless, sacrificial love. John highlights that Gaius’s actions are motivated by genuine care for others, not just duty or politeness.
  • προπέμπω (propempō, "bring forward on their journey"): This phrase refers to helping travelers continue on their way, often by providing for their needs. John is encouraging Gaius to actively support these believers as they travel for ministry.
  • ἀξίως τοῦ θεοῦ (axiōs tou theou, "after a godly sort"): The Greek phrase means "in a manner worthy of God." John is not just asking for practical help, but for help that reflects God’s own character and generosity.

Why 3 John 1:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Christian love is meant to be visible and practical, not just a private feeling, since the church has seen and heard about Gaius’s actions.
  • The emphasis on helping "after a godly sort" shows that the manner of support matters, not just the act itself; believers are called to reflect God’s standards in their generosity.
  • 3 John 1:6 connects to the theme of hospitality in the letter, showing that supporting those who serve God is a key part of Christian community and mission.

Where else these words appear

“after” Greek G516 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
  • Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
  • Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

“journey” Greek G4311 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
  • Acts 21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

“well” Greek G2573 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
  • Galatians 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.

“witness” Greek G3140 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
  • John 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;