3 John 1:7

English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young

because for [His] name they went forth, nothing receiving from the nations;

What Does This Mean?

This verse talks about people who traveled for God without taking anything from the Gentiles, which means non-Jewish people. The message is that they did this purely out of devotion to God's name.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you went on a trip with your friends just because someone asked you to and didn't even bring your own snacks or money for ice cream. That’s how these people traveled - all for Jesus, without asking for anything in return!

Historical Background

This verse is from the letter of 3 John, written by the Apostle John around 90 AD. It was addressed to a man named Gaius and speaks about the Christians who were spreading God's message.

Living It Out Today

Today, this can mean volunteering for church projects or community services without expecting any rewards. It’s about serving others because you want to do good in the name of Jesus.

Topics

servicedevotiongenerositymissionary workhospitalityfaithfulness

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the audience of this verse?

This letter was addressed to Gaius, but the message about serving without expecting rewards can be for anyone who wants to follow Jesus more closely.

Why did they not take anything from the Gentiles?

They went purely out of devotion to God’s name and did not want to burden others or make their service seem selfish.

How does this relate to Christian missions today?

Missionaries often aim to serve without expecting material rewards, just as these early Christians traveled for the sake of spreading God's message.

What can we learn about generosity from this verse?

We see that true generosity means giving or serving without seeking anything in return, reflecting a deep faith and devotion.

Compare 3 John 1:7 →