3 John 1:7 declares that Christian missionaries took no support for their ministry from unbelievers. Yet when Solomon built the Temple, he accepted gifts from Gentiles (1 Kings 5:10, 2 Chr. 2:13-16), Moses did not reject gifts from the Egyptians (Ex. 12:25-36) and Solomon did not reject gifts from the Gentile Hiram or from the Queen of Sheba (2 Chron. 2:13-16), (1 Kings 10:10.) As a rule, God’s work should be supported by God’s people, for those who benefit spiritually should share materially with their teachers… This truth is clearly stated by Paul in 1 Cor. 9:1-14 and Gal. 6:6. Scores of the mentorees in MMM are contributing materially to MMM in view of these Scriptures.
Under no circumstances should a gift or gifts be received by Christians from an unbeliever if that individual is giving it to pay his way into heaven, which he cannot do. On the other hand, if an unbeliever wants to give a gift, with absolutely no strings attached, it may offend them to turn down his gift and become an obstacle in his becoming a true believer. Perhaps Solomon and Moses received gifts from Gentiles, hoping that they might turn to the true and living God.
Moreover, it must be noted that 2 John 7 does not say “never take any money from unbelievers.” It simply notes that these believers on this journey did not accept help from the heathens. So this verse is descriptive, not prescriptive.
The profound Christian Apologist, Dr. Norman Geisler, makes the conclusion: (based on 3 John 1:7) So while money should not be sought from unbelievers, neither should it be rejected, unless of course, there are strings attached. Under no conditions should a spiritual or other favors be bought by anyone.” (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties, pg. 547). I have never once sought a gift from an unbeliever, nor have I sought from professing believers who lived unconsecrated lives. Few if any unbelievers have ever given me a gift for my ministry. If they did so, in the future, I would seek to determine their motive, and if it was not self seeking, I would receive it, hoping it would open the door for further dialogue, which would include my sharing the saving gospel of Jesus Christ with them.