New International VersionDear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.
New Living TranslationDear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you.
English Standard VersionBeloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are,
Berean Standard BibleBeloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you.
Berean Literal BibleBeloved, you are doing faithfully whatever you might have done toward the brothers, and they are strangers,
King James BibleBeloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
New King James VersionBeloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,
New American Standard BibleBeloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brothers and sisters, and especially when they are strangers;
NASB 1995Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers;
NASB 1977Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers;
Legacy Standard BibleBeloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever work you do for the brothers, and are doing this though they are strangers;
Amplified BibleBeloved, you are acting faithfully in what you are providing for the brothers, and especially when they are strangers;
Christian Standard BibleDear friend, you are acting faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers and sisters, especially when they are strangers.
Holman Christian Standard BibleDear friend, you are showing faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers, especially when they are strangers.
American Standard VersionBeloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;
Contemporary English VersionDear friend, you have always been faithful in helping other followers of the Lord, even the ones you didn't know before.
English Revised VersionBeloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationDear friend, you are showing your faith in whatever you do for other believers, especially when they're your guests.
Good News TranslationMy dear friend, you are so faithful in the work you do for other Christians, even when they are strangers.
International Standard VersionDear friend, you are faithful in whatever you do for the brothers, especially when they are strangers.
NET BibleDear friend, you demonstrate faithfulness by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers).
New Heart English BibleBeloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
Webster's Bible TranslationBeloved, thou doest faithfully whatever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
Weymouth New TestamentMy dear friend, you are acting faithfully in all your behaviour towards the brethren, even when they are strangers to you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBeloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and for those who are strangers to you.
World English BibleBeloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBeloved, you act faithfully in whatever you may do toward the brothers and the one [among] strangers,
Berean Literal BibleBeloved, you are doing faithfully whatever you might have done toward the brothers, and they are strangers,
Young's Literal Translation Beloved, faithfully dost thou do whatever thou mayest work to the brethren and to the strangers,
Smith's Literal TranslationDearly beloved, thou doest faithfully whatever thou dost work for the brethren, and for strangers; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleDearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren, and that for strangers,
Catholic Public Domain VersionMost beloved, you should act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, and those who are sojourners;
New American BibleBeloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers, especially for strangers;
New Revised Standard VersionBeloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOur beloved, you do faithfully that which you do to the brethren, especially to those who are strangers;
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishOur beloved, by faith you do that which you do to the brethren, and especially those who are strangers, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBeloved, you do faithfully whatever you do to the brethren, and to strangers,
Godbey New TestamentBeloved, whatsoever faithful deed thou mayest do to the brethren, thou art also dispensing to the strangers,
Haweis New TestamentBeloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever services thou performest for the brethren, and for strangers;
Mace New TestamentMy dear child, whatever you do in behalf of the brethren, and of those who are strangers, is commendable.
Weymouth New TestamentMy dear friend, you are acting faithfully in all your behaviour towards the brethren, even when they are strangers to you.
Worrell New TestamentBeloved, you do a faithful work, in whatsoever you do to the brethren, and that to strangers,
Worsley New TestamentBeloved, thou actest faithfully in whatsoever service thou dost to the brethren, and to strangers too;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Gaius Commended for His Hospitality4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 5Beloved,you arefaithfulin whatyou are doingforthebrothers,and especially sincethey arestrangers to you.6They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.…
Cross References Matthew 25:35-40For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...
Hebrews 13:2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Romans 12:13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
1 Peter 4:9Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
Galatians 6:10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
Acts 16:14-15Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. / And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
1 Timothy 5:10and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work.
Philemon 1:7I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Philippians 2:29-30Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, / because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me.
1 Corinthians 16:15-18You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, / to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. / I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ...
James 2:14-17What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...
Luke 10:33-37But a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, and when he saw him, he had compassion. / He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. / The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’ ...
2 Corinthians 8:1-5Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. / In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. / For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, ...
Colossians 4:10-11My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him. / 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.
Acts 9:36-39In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. / At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. / Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.” ...
Treasury of Scripture Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do to the brothers, and to strangers; Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whomhis lord shall make ruler over his household, to givethem their portion of meat in due season? Luke 16:10-12 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much… Jump to Previous AccomplishActingBehaviourBelovedDearEspeciallyFaithfulFaithfullyFriendGoodLoyalMayestPlacesRenderServiceStrangersTowardsWhateverWhatsoeverWithalWorkJump to Next AccomplishActingBehaviourBelovedDearEspeciallyFaithfulFaithfullyFriendGoodLoyalMayestPlacesRenderServiceStrangersTowardsWhateverWhatsoeverWithalWork3 John 1 1.He commends Gaius for his piety,5.and hospitality,7.to true preachers;9.complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;11.whose evil example is not to be followed;12.and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.BelovedThe term "beloved" is a term of endearment and affection, often used by the Apostle John in his writings. It reflects the close relationship between John and the recipient of the letter, Gaius. This term is also used frequently in the New Testament to describe the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing love and care (e.g., Romans 1:7, 1John 3:2). you are faithful
Faithfulness is a key virtue in the Christian life, often highlighted in Scripture as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It denotes reliability and steadfastness in one's duties and commitments. In the context of the early church, faithfulness was crucial for the spread of the Gospel and the support of fellow believers. in what you are doing for the brothers
The early Christian community was marked by mutual support and hospitality. "The brothers" likely refers to itinerant preachers or missionaries who traveled to spread the Gospel. Gaius's actions reflect the early church's emphasis on supporting those who labor in ministry (Philippians 4:15-16). and especially since they are strangers to you
Hospitality to strangers was a significant cultural and religious duty in the ancient world, particularly within the Jewish and early Christian communities. This practice is rooted in the Old Testament, where God commands His people to love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19). The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to show hospitality (Hebrews 13:2). Gaius's willingness to help those he did not know personally demonstrates a Christ-like love and commitment to the mission of the church. Persons / Places / Events 1. John the ApostleThe author of the letter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth. 2. GaiusThe recipient of the letter, a beloved member of the early Christian community, praised for his hospitality and faithfulness. 3. The BrothersFellow Christians, possibly itinerant preachers or missionaries, who were receiving hospitality from Gaius. 4. StrangersThese are the brothers mentioned in the verse who were not personally known to Gaius, highlighting the Christian duty of hospitality. 5. The Early ChurchThe broader context in which this letter was written, characterized by a network of house churches and traveling missionaries. Teaching Points Faithfulness in ServiceGaius is commended for his faithfulness, which is a model for believers today. Faithfulness in serving others, especially those we do not know, is a testament to our love for Christ. Hospitality as a Christian DutyThe early church relied on the hospitality of its members. Today, Christians are called to open their homes and hearts to others, reflecting God's love. Love in ActionGaius' actions demonstrate love in action. True Christian love is not just words but is demonstrated through tangible acts of kindness and support. Welcoming the StrangerThe emphasis on welcoming strangers challenges believers to step out of their comfort zones and extend grace and kindness to those outside their immediate circles. Community SupportThe early church thrived on mutual support. Modern believers are encouraged to support one another, fostering a strong, united community of faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 3 John 1:5?
2.How can we emulate Gaius' faithfulness in serving fellow believers today?
3.What does 3 John 1:5 teach about hospitality towards "brothers, even strangers"?
4.How does Gaius' example connect with Jesus' teachings on serving others?
5.In what ways can your church support traveling missionaries and ministers?
6.How can you personally demonstrate "faithful service" in your daily life?
7.How does 3 John 1:5 emphasize the importance of hospitality in Christian practice?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of 3 John 1:5?
9.How does 3 John 1:5 relate to the theme of faithfulness in the New Testament?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 3 John 1?
11.Why does Christianity demand faith when critical thinking and evidence are more reliable ways of knowing truth?
12.What does being born of God mean?
13.Who was Diotrephes in the Bible?
14.If 3 John 1 is authentic, why does it omit any mention of Jesus’s teachings or miracles?What Does 3 John 1:5 Mean BelovedJohn opens with an affectionate term that reminds Gaius—and us—of our identity as dearly loved children of God (1 John 3:1;Romans 1:7). This warm address frames everything that follows: any service we render flows out of being first loved by the Father.
You Are Faithful• John commends a proven pattern, not a one-time deed. • Faithfulness is reliability in action; it reflects God’s own steadfast nature (Lamentations 3:23). • Scripture consistently ties faithfulness to stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2;Luke 16:10). Gaius has been handed a trust and is living up to it.
In What You Are Doing• Love expresses itself through concrete deeds, not just intentions (James 1:22;1 John 3:18). • “Doing” embraces planning, provision, and personal involvement. Gaius’s faith is active, echoingColossians 3:17: “Whatever you do…do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
For the Brothers• The primary recipients are fellow believers—traveling teachers and missionaries who depended on local hospitality (Acts 15:3;Hebrews 13:1). • Supporting them advances the gospel (Philippians 1:5). • John underscores family language: caring for “brothers” is caring for Christ Himself (Matthew 25:40).
And Especially Since They Are Strangers to You• Genuine love breaks the limits of familiarity. Welcoming unknown believers mirrors Abraham entertaining angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2) and Jesus’ words, “I was a stranger and you invited Me in” (Matthew 25:35). • Hospitality here is purposeful: receiving faithful messengers so the truth can travel (3 John 1:6-8). • Wisdom still applies; John earlier warned against aiding false teachers (2 John 1:10-11). Yet when doctrine is sound, generosity should be lavish (Romans 12:13).
summary3 John 1:5 spotlights a life where love, truth, and action converge. Gaius is praised for dependable, hands-on care of fellow believers—especially those he has never met. His example calls every follower of Christ to steadfast, practical hospitality that furthers the gospel and reflects the Father’s own faithful love. Vers. 5-12. - 2. MAIN DIVISION. Exhortation. Having thus stated the circumstances which have led to his writing (comp. 2 John 1:4), the elder begins the main portion of the letter, which consists of three sections; the hospitality of Gaius, and its value (verses 5-8); the arrogance of Diotrephes, and its results (verses 9, 10); the moral (verses 11, 12). The transition to this central portion of the Epistle is marked by a repetition of the loving address. In all three cases (verses 2, 5, 11), the introductory "beloved" indicates the beginning of a section. Ver. 5. - It is by no means easy to translate this verse satisfactorily, πιστὸν ποιεῖς ὅ ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ εἰς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς καὶ τοῦτο ξένους. Here we have three difficulties: (1) to determine the meaning ofπιστὸν ποιεῖς; (2) to bring out the meaning ofἐργάσῃ; (3) to translateτοῦτο without awkwardness. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Beloved,Ἀγαπητέ(Agapēte)Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 27:From agapao; beloved.you areποιεῖς(poieis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.faithfulπιστὸν(piston)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4103:Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.in whatὃ(ho)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.you are doingἐργάσῃ(ergasē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2038:To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor.forεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.brothers,ἀδελφοὺς(adelphous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80:A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.and [especially since]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.they areτοῦτο(touto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.strangers [to you].ξένους(xenous)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3581:Apparently a primary word; foreign; by implication, a guest or entertainer.
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NT Letters: 3 John 1:5 Beloved you do a faithful work (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo) |
