3Jo 5-7 | RWP | e4.org | A faithful work ( πιστον ). Either thus or "thou makest sure," after an example in Xenophon quoted by Wettstein ( ποιειν πιστα ) and parallel to καινα ποιεω in . But it is not certain. In whatsoever thou doest ( ο εαν εργαση ). Indefinite relative with modal εαν (= αν ) and the first aorist middle subjunctive of εργαζομα . See for both ποιεω and εργαζομα in the same sentence. And strangers withal ( κα τουτο ξενους ). "And that too" (accusative of general reference as in ; ; ). This praise of hospitality ( ; ; ; ; ; ) shows that in John has a peculiar case in mind.

‏ 3 John 5-7

A faithful work ( πιστον ). Either thus or "thou makest sure," after an example in Xenophon quoted by Wettstein ( ποιειν πιστα ) and parallel to καινα ποιεω in Re 21:5. But it is not certain.

In whatsoever thou doest ( ο εαν εργαση ). Indefinite relative with modal εαν (= αν ) and the first aorist middle subjunctive of εργαζομα. See Col 3:23 for both ποιεω and εργαζομα in the same sentence.

And strangers withal ( κα τουτο ξενους ). "And that too" (accusative of general reference as in 1Co 6:6; Php 1:28; Eph 2:8). This praise of hospitality (Ro 12:13; 1Pe 4:9; 1Ti 3:2; 5:10; Tit 1:8; Heb 13:2) shows that in 2Jo 1:10 John has a peculiar case in mind.

Before the church ( ενωπιον εκκλησιας ). Public meeting as the anarthrous use of εκκλησια indicates, like εν εκκλησια in 1Co 14:19, 35.

Thou wilt do well ( καλως ποιησεις ). Future active of ποιεω with adverb καλως, a common polite phrase in letters (papyri) like our "please." See also Ac 10:33; Jas 2:19; 1Co 7:37f.; Php 4:14; 2Pe 1:19.

To set forward on their journey ( προπεμψας ). First aorist active participle (simultaneous action) of προπεμπω, to send forward, "sending forward," old word, in N.T. in Ac 15:3; 20:38; 21:5; 1Co 16:6, 11; 2Co 1:16; Ro 15:24; Tit 3:13.

Worthily of God ( αξιως του θεου ). Precisely this phrase in 1Th 2:12 and the genitive with αξιως also in Ro 16:2; Php 1:27; Col 1:10; Eph 4:1. See Joh 13:20 for Christ's words on the subject. "Since they are God's representatives, treat them as you would God" (Holtzmann). From Homer's time (Od. XV. 74) it was customary to speed the parting guest, sometimes accompanying him, sometimes providing money and food. Rabbis were so escorted and Paul alludes to the same gracious custom in Ro 15:24; Tit 3:13.

For the sake of the Name ( υπερ του ονοματος ). The name of Jesus. See Ac 5:4; Ro 1:5 for υπερ του ονοματος and Jas 2:7 for the absolute use of "the name" as in 1Pe 4:16. "This name is in essence the sum of the Christian creed" (Westcott) as in 1Co 12:3; Ro 10:9. It is like the absolute use of "the Way" (Ac 9:2; 19:9, 23; 24:22).

Taking nothing ( μηδεν λαμβανοντες ). Present active participle with the usual negative with participles (1Jo 2:4).

Of the Gentiles ( απο των εθνικων ). Instead of the usual εθνων (Lu 2:32), late adjective for what is peculiar to a people ( εθνος ) and then for the people themselves (Polybius, Diodorus, not in LXX), in N.T. only here, Mt 5:47; 6:7; 18:17. Like our heathen, pagan. John is anxious that Christian missionaries receive nothing from the heathen, as our missionaries have to watch against the charge of being after money. There were many travelling lecturers out for money. Paul in 1Co 9 defends the right of preachers to pay, but refuses himself to accept it from Corinth because it would be misunderstood (cf. 1Th 2:6ff.; 2Co 12:16ff. 12:16ff.). Note απο here as in collecting taxes (Mt 17:25) rather than παρα, which may be suggestive.