3 John 1:8

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Therefore, we should show hospitality to such men, so that we can be fellow-workers [with them] in [the cause of] the truth.

Cross References

Matthew 10:14

And whoever does not welcome you or listen to what you have to say, shake the dust off of your shoes as you leave that house or town. [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain and intended to suggest unworthiness]

Matthew 10:40

“The person who welcomes you [into his home] welcomes me. And the person who welcomes me [into his life] welcomes God, who sent me.

Luke 11:7

Then the man will answer from inside [his house], ‘Do not bother me. My door is [already] locked, my children are [already] in bed with me and I cannot get up to give you anything.’

2 Corinthians 6:1

As workers together with God we urge you also, who have received God’s unearned favor, do not allow it to be for nothing,

2 Corinthians 8:23

As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker on your behalf. As for our brothers [i.e., those who will accompany him], they are the messengers of the churches and an honor to Christ.

Philippians 4:3

Yes, and I am asking you also, [my] faithful partner [Note: This person is unknown, but may have been one of Paul’s preacher companions], help those women, for they have worked hard with me in [spreading] the Gospel, along with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. [See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23].

Colossians 4:11

Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends his greetings. These men are the only Jews among my fellow-workers for God’s kingdom; they have proved to be an encouragement to me.

1 Thessalonians 3:2

and so we [i.e., I] sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow-worker in [the ministry of] the Gospel, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

Philemon 1:2

and to Apphia our sister [Note: This was probably Philemon’s wife], and to Archippus our fellow-soldier [Note: This was probably Philemon’s preacher son. See Col. 4:17] and to the church [that meets] in your house.

Philemon 1:24

along with [John] Mark [Note: This shows that Mark was now back in the good graces of Paul. See Acts 15:36-40], Aristarchus, Demas [Note: This man later deserted Paul. See II Tim. 4:10] and Luke, who are [also] my fellow-workers. [Note: These men, unlike Epaphras who was imprisoned with Paul, were free to minister for Christ there in Rome].

3 John 1:10

So, if I come [to visit you], I will remind you of what he is doing, [such as] using wicked words to talk nonsense against us [apostles]. And, not being satisfied with that, he [also] refuses to welcome the [other] brothers, and prevents [other] people from doing so [i.e., from welcoming these brothers], and even kicks them out of the church [for trying to].

3 John 1:7

For they went out, [ministering] for the sake of [Jesus’] name, without taking [any money] from Gentiles [i.e., non-Christians].

3 John 1:9

I wrote a letter to the church [there], but Diotrephes, who loves to be first [in importance] among the members [of the body there], does not receive us [i.e., he did not listen to or acknowledge the authority of us apostles].