How does 3 John 1:6 challenge modern Christians to support missionaries? Text of 3 John 1:6 “They have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” Canonical Placement and Immediate Context 3 John, authored by the apostle John late in the first century, is a personal letter to Gaius. John contrasts Gaius’s faithful love for itinerant gospel workers with Diotrephes’s selfishness (vv. 9–10). Verse 6 forms the hinge: praise for past hospitality flows into an exhortation for continued, intentional support. Theological Foundation: Mission Is God’s Own Pattern • The Father sent the Son (John 20:21). • The Son sends the Spirit-empowered church (Acts 1:8). • The Spirit sends set-apart servants (Acts 13:2–3). Supporting missionaries therefore aligns the believer with the triune mission of God. Biblical Cross-References on Material Support • Luke 10:7–8—workers deserve their wages. • 1 Corinthians 9:14—the Lord commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. • Philippians 4:15-19—the Philippians’ gift credited to their heavenly account; God meets the giver’s needs. • Romans 10:14-15—sending is prerequisite to preaching. Historical Validation of Early Missionary Practice Archaeological finds corroborate the New Testament picture of itinerant ministry. The 1877 inscription from Soli, Cyprus names “Sergius Paulus, proconsul,” matching Acts 13:7 and confirming Luke’s accuracy about Paul’s first journey launch point. Ostraca from Oxyrhynchus list Christian travelers receiving “hospitality funds” from congregations, mirroring propempō language. Hospitality as Tangible Love and Truth John knits orthodoxy and orthopraxy: “whom I love in truth” (v. 1) and “fellow workers for the truth” (v. 8). Authentic love is measured by deeds, not sentiment (1 John 3:17-18). Financial partnership is participation in gospel truth itself. Missiological Implications for the Modern Church 1. Globalization multiplies access; responsibility scales up, not down. 2. Short-term trips must never replace long-term sending; verse 6 envisions ongoing provision until the mission is complete. 3. Accountability is implicit: commendation before “the church” implies transparency (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Practical Steps for Twenty-First-Century Believers • Budget missionary giving first, not last (Proverbs 3:9). • Offer skilled services—legal, medical, educational—beside money (Acts 18:3 staff-support model). • Provide emotional and spiritual care: regular calls, Scripture sharing, crisis debriefs (Philippians 1:3-5). • Create “worthy of God” hospitality zones: missionary housing, vehicles, childcare, sabbatical retreats. • Mobilize the next generation through mentoring and internships (2 Timothy 2:2). Illustrations from Church History • 1st-century: Phoebe financed Paul’s Corinth-to-Rome journey (Romans 16:1-2). • 19th-century: William Carey’s mission sustained by the “Particular Baptist Society,” small churches pooling coins. • 20th-century: Lottie Moon’s letters spurred Southern Baptists to an annual Christmas offering still exceeding USD190 million. Each case fulfills propempō. Warnings against Neglect Failure to send “in a manner worthy of God” risks: • hindering the spread of truth (3 John 1:10, Diotrephes), • spiritual myopia—blessing withheld (Malachi 3:10), • loss of eternal reward (1 Corinthians 3:14-15). Promise of Shared Reward Jesus assures, “Whoever receives a righteous man … will receive a righteous man’s reward” (Matthew 10:41). By supporting missionaries, believers become co-heirs of gospel fruit harvested in distant fields (John 4:36-38). Conclusion 3 John 1:6 is both commendation and commission. The apostolic imperative to “send them on their way in a manner worthy of God” obligates every generation of Christians to prioritize, finance, and personally facilitate the advance of the gospel. In doing so we mirror the sending heart of the Father, honor the sacrificial mission of the Son, and cooperate with the worldwide work of the Spirit—until every nation is discipled and the Lord returns. |
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