3 John 1:7
“Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →These travelers went out for the sake of Christ's name, refusing support from unbelievers so the gospel would not be hindered.
What Does 3 John 1:7 Mean?
John gives the reason these workers deserve such care. They went forth "for his name's sake," meaning for the honor of Jesus, and they took no support from those outside the faith. By declining the help of unbelievers, they kept the gospel free of any charge that it was preached for gain.
This is why the welcome of fellow believers mattered so much. Those who give their lives to making Christ known rightly look to His people for support. The verse honors a holy carefulness about money and motive, that nothing would cloud the message. It also lays a gentle duty on the church: to provide for those who labor for the Lord's name, so they need not depend on the world.
In the Original Language
onoma (ὄνομα), "name" — standing for the whole person and authority of Jesus, for whose honor the workers went out.