‘The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.' The writer again calls himself ‘the Elder'. As with 2 John the impression is given that all would know who was meant. He was not just one of many elders but seen as unique. There is no real reason for denying that it is the Apostle John, who a... [ Continue Reading ]
‘ Beloved, I pray that in all things you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.' He knows that Gaius' soul prospers. That is a good testimony to have. He prays that equally his life and health might prosper in every way, that God might ensure that life would treat him well. It ma... [ Continue Reading ]
‘For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bore witness to your truth, even as you walk in truth. Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.' But his greatest rejoicing is in that Gaius walks in the truth. John is often called the Apostle of ‘love' but he a... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you do towards those who are brethren and strangers withal, who bore witness to your love before the church, whom you will do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God, because for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gen... [ Continue Reading ]
‘We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.' It was right that these travelling preachers should be welcomed and given hospitality, because of Whose they were, and by doing so Gaius had a part in their ministry. He was a fellow-worker with them in the truth. Al... [ Continue Reading ]
‘I wrote somewhat to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not. Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he does, prating against us with wicked words. And not content with that, nor does he himself receive the brethren, and he... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil has not seen God.' Meanwhile Gaius is to continue in goodness. As with all true Christians he must take his example from Christ, imitating what is good and not what is evil. For being a Christian,... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Demetrius has the witness of all, and of the truth itself. Yes, we also bear witness: and you know that our witness is true.' Demetrius may have been another church leader, or a more probably a visiting preacher, a representative of John, and he may well also have been the letter bearer. He too is... [ Continue Reading ]
‘I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write them to you with ink and pen, but I hope shortly to see you, and we shall speak face to face.' We saw the same idea in 2 John 1:12. John preferred face to face contact. He probably felt that long letters were too impersonal. Possibly b... [ Continue Reading ]