3 John 1:6
“Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those Gaius helped publicly testified to his love, and John urges him to keep sending such travelers on their way in a manner worthy of God.
What Does 3 John 1:6 Mean?
The travelers Gaius cared for had returned and spoken of his love before the gathered church, so that his private kindness became a public witness. John encourages him to continue, helping these workers on their journey "after a godly sort," that is, in a way fitting to God's own generosity.
To send someone forward well meant supplying their needs for the road ahead, a real partnership in their mission. John tells Gaius plainly, "thou shalt do well," affirming that such service pleases the Lord. Supporting those who carry the gospel is itself gospel work. Not all are called to travel and preach, but all can share in the labor by upholding those who do.
In the Original Language
agape (ἀγάπη), here "charity" — self-giving love that seeks the good of others, the love God shows and calls His people to live.