For they went out on behalf of the NameThis phrase refers to Christian missionaries or workers who have dedicated themselves to spreading the Gospel. "The Name" is a reference to Jesus Christ, emphasizing the authority and divine mission associated with His name. In biblical times, names held significant meaning and represented one's character and mission. The act of going out "on behalf of the Name" indicates a commitment to the Great Commission (
Matthew 28:19-20) and reflects the early church's dedication to evangelism. This mission aligns with the apostolic tradition of spreading the teachings of Jesus, as seen in
Acts 1:8, where the disciples are called to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth."
accepting nothing from the Gentiles
This part of the verse highlights the self-sufficiency and integrity of the missionaries. By not accepting support from the Gentiles, they avoided any potential accusations of preaching for financial gain, thus maintaining the purity of their mission. This practice is consistent with Paul's approach in1 Corinthians 9:12-18, where he emphasizes preaching the Gospel free of charge to avoid hindering its message. The cultural context of the time involved patron-client relationships, where accepting gifts could imply obligations or influence. By relying on fellow believers for support, these missionaries demonstrated their trust in God's provision and the unity of the Christian community.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Elder (John)The author of the letter, traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, who is writing to Gaius to commend and encourage him in his faith and hospitality.
2.
GaiusThe recipient of the letter, a beloved member of the early Christian community known for his faithfulness and hospitality towards traveling missionaries.
3.
Traveling MissionariesThese are the individuals referred to in the verse who went out to spread the Gospel, relying on the support of fellow believers rather than non-believers.
4.
The NameThis refers to the name of Jesus Christ, for whom the missionaries are working and spreading the Gospel.
5.
GentilesIn this context, non-believers or those outside the Christian faith from whom the missionaries did not accept support.
Teaching Points
Commitment to the GospelThe missionaries' decision to accept nothing from the Gentiles underscores their commitment to the purity and integrity of the Gospel message. They relied on God and the Christian community for support, ensuring that their mission was not compromised by outside influences.
The Importance of Christian HospitalityGaius's support of the missionaries highlights the vital role of hospitality in the early church. Believers are encouraged to support those who are dedicated to spreading the Gospel, reflecting the love and unity within the body of Christ.
Faith-Based ProvisionThe reliance on fellow believers rather than non-believers for support demonstrates a trust in God's provision through His people. This principle encourages Christians today to support one another in ministry endeavors.
Witness to the WorldBy not accepting support from the Gentiles, the missionaries maintained a clear witness to the world, showing that their mission was not for personal gain but for the glory of God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 3 John 1:7?
2.How does 3 John 1:7 encourage support for those spreading the Gospel message?
3.Why is it important to support missionaries "for the sake of the Name"?
4.How can we apply 3 John 1:7 in our church's mission efforts?
5.What other Scriptures emphasize supporting those who "went out for the sake"?
6.How can you personally support those who "accept nothing from the Gentiles"?
7.What does 3 John 1:7 reveal about the early Christian mission and its challenges?
8.How does 3 John 1:7 emphasize the importance of supporting missionaries?
9.Why is it significant that missionaries in 3 John 1:7 accepted nothing from Gentiles?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 3 John 1?
11.What does praying in Jesus' name mean?
12.What is the purpose of the Temple of God?
13.How can Jesus giving Peter the 'keys of the kingdom' in Matthew 16:19 be squared with later New Testament teachings that salvation is open to all believers?
14.John 6:35: Does Jesus's claim to be the 'bread of life' conflict with other biblical teachings or Jewish beliefs about divine provision?What Does 3 John 1:7 Mean
They went out• John is speaking of the traveling brothers he has just commended (3 John 1:5-6). Like Paul and Barnabas inActs 13:2-3, they deliberately left the comfort of home to obey the Great Commission—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
• Their departure is purposeful, not random.Romans 10:15 reminds us, “How can they preach unless they are sent?” The church sent them, and God equipped them.
• Faith-driven going always involves risk and sacrifice—mirroringHebrews 11:8’s account of Abraham setting out “not knowing where he was going,” yet fully trusting God.
on behalf of the Name• “The Name” is shorthand for Jesus Christ, the One with “the name above every name” (Philippians 2:9-10).
• They represent His character, His authority, and His gospel.Acts 5:41 notes that early believers rejoiced to be “counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.”
• Their motive is single-minded: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). Prestige, comfort, and personal gain take a back seat to honoring Christ.
accepting nothing• Like Paul, who “refused to make full use” of his rights (1 Corinthians 9:12,18), these workers declined financial support from those who did not yet believe.
•2 Corinthians 11:7-9 shows Paul doing the same so the message would never be overshadowed by questions about money. Integrity safeguards the gospel.
• Their example urges modern believers to steward funds responsibly and to support missions so that gospel workers do not have to depend on outside, potentially compromising sources (Philippians 4:15-17).
from the Gentiles• “Gentiles” here points to unbelievers. By refusing their aid, the missionaries avoid any appearance of peddling the gospel for profit (2 Corinthians 2:17).
• Jesus modeled this principle when He told the Twelve, “Acquire no gold or silver…for the worker is worthy of his provisions” (Matthew 10:9-10), directing them to rely on God’s people, not the world.
• The local church, therefore, carries the joyful duty of hospitality and material support (3 John 1:6;Galatians 6:6), ensuring that gospel advance is funded by grateful believers, not skeptical outsiders.
summary• Faithful servants deliberately go out under the church’s blessing.
• Their sole banner is the Name of Jesus, not personal brand or profit.
• They refuse financial entanglements that could dilute the gospel’s purity.
• God’s people are called to step up, meeting their needs so the message moves forward without hindrance.
Ver. 7. -
For the sake of THE NAME. Such is the exact rendering of the true text; the insertion of "his" before "Name" weakens the effect. There was no need to say more. Just as to a Jew "the Name" must mean "Jehovah," so to a Christian "the Name" must mean "Jesus Christ" (comp.
Acts 5:41;
James 2:7). St. Ignatius writes to the Ephesians, "I am in bonds
for the Name's sake" (3); and "Some are wont of malicious guile to hawk about
the Name" (7); and again to the Philadelphians, "It is becoming for you, as a Church of God, to appoint a deacon to go thither as God's ambassador, that he may congratulate them when they are assembled together, and may glorify the Name" (10.).
Taking nothing of the Gentiles, lest the heathen should suspect their motives, and think, "Like all the quack priests and philosophers, you make a mere trade of your doctrine, and preach to fill your bellies." Nothing wins men over so much as clear proofs of disinterestedness. The missionary who is suspected of self-seeking will preach in vain. That
οἱ ἐθνικοί here must mean "heathen" seems clear from
Matthew 5:47;
Matthew 6:7;
Matthew 18:17, the only other places in the New Testament where the word is found; moreover, the context requires it. There is no need to ask whether the word may not mean "Gentile
Christians." The missionary brethren would, therefore, have been in great straits but for the courage and generosity of Gains; Diotrephes turned them out of doors and forbade others to succour them; and they themselves made it a rule not to ask for help from Gentiles.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.they went outἐξῆλθον(exēlthon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1831:To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.on behalfὑπὲρ(hyper)Preposition
Strong's 5228:Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Name,Ὀνόματος(Onomatos)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.acceptingλαμβάνοντες(lambanontes)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.nothingμηδὲν(mēden)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3367:No one, none, nothing.fromἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive 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.Gentiles.ἐθνικῶν(ethnikōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1482:Pagan, heathen, gentile; subst: a Gentile, non-Jew. From ethnos; national, i.e. a Gentile.
Links
3 John 1:7 NIV3 John 1:7 NLT3 John 1:7 ESV3 John 1:7 NASB3 John 1:7 KJV
3 John 1:7 BibleApps.com3 John 1:7 Biblia Paralela3 John 1:7 Chinese Bible3 John 1:7 French Bible3 John 1:7 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 3 John 1:7 Because for the sake of the Name (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo) 
