Support the work to spread the truth
…since they set out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from pagans. Therefore, we ought to support such people so that we can be coworkers with the truth. 3 John 1:7-8 CSB
Gaius actions of kindness towards missionaries who were set out to share the gospel was commended by John. Such actions were commended for what these missionaries were doing was “worthy of God” (3 John 1:6). Travelling individuals depended on the hospitality of people rather than inns during John’s time. So, Christian ministers and missionaries often depended on other Christians to take care of them on their journey. Not only that these missionaries’ work was “worthy of God,” they were doing all these “for the sake of the Name” (3 John 1:7). They were out traveling away from the comforts of life so they can proclaim the only Name, for “there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). They are doing this, spreading the gospel message of Jesus Christ, “accepting nothing from pagans.” Instead of charging those that need the gospel the most, the unbelievers, they shared the message of the gospel for free, as it should be, as opposed to false teachers who used to share false doctrine at a price. As Paul said, relying to unbelievers in spreading the gospel will hinder the preaching of the gospel. “If others have this right to receive benefits from you, don’t we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right; instead, we endure everything so that we will not hinder the gospel of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:12). This is the reason why John challenges Gaius, the church, and anyone else who read this letter to continue to provide support for these missionaries reaching out to non-believers. “Therefore, we out to support such people so that we can be coworkers with the truth” (3 John 1:8). This is how we take part in personifying the truth, when we bless those who are set out to proclaim the truth of God’s Word. For us today, we can support missionaries and other believers to financially and pray for them, as they share the gospel message to the world, assisting them and being coworkers for the truth of the gospel to continue to spread. Although we may not be able to go abroad and speak another language, we can be “coworkers with the truth,” through our gifts and talents.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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