What is the meaning of 3 John 1:7? They went out • John is speaking of the traveling brothers he has just commended (3 John 1:5-6). Like Paul and Barnabas in Acts 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—mirroring Hebrews 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. |
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