Support Those Who Are Teaching the Truth

Note from today’s Bible reading: 3 John 1

In his third letter, John commended these Christians for their work in helping others. He said they were “acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren” (3 John 5). Some had reported back to John about how they had been helped by the brethren here (3 John 6).

While it is good to help any of our brethren who may have a need, John was referring to a particular type of help – not benevolence, but support for the work of preaching the gospel. He wrote, “For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth” (3 John 7-8).

It is part of God’s design for preachers to be financially supported in their work (1 Corinthians 9:14). The more sufficiently they are supported, the more they are able to devote their time to spreading the gospel. Yet John explained that this was not just for the benefit of the preacher. Instead, by supporting those who preach, we are “fellow workers with the truth” (we have fellowship with him).

When we support a preacher, we are enabling him to continue on in that work (not that he would quit preaching without support, but he would be more limited if he was also working to support himself and his family). When this is happening, all of us are working together to spread the gospel.

So support those who are teaching the truth. Look for those who are diligently engaged in this work and see how they can be aided. Then join in this fellowship in the cause of Christ.