The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 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.
Indications within the letter suggest a genuine private letter, composed to Gaius to commend a party of Christians led by Demetrius, who were strangers to the place where he lived, and who had gone on a mission to preach the gospel (verse 7). The purpose of the letter is to encourage and strengthen Gaius, and to warn him against the party headed by Diotrephes, who refuses to cooperate with the presbyteros who is writing.
Regarding the letter addressee Gaius: the same name occurs in four New Testament texts. Thus, the answer naturally arises whether the Gaius of 3 John is the same man mention in any of the others contexts. First, a Christian Gaius is mentioned in Macedonia s a traveling companion of Paul, along with Aristarchus Acts 19:29).
The message is that disciples of Jesus Christ have been sent out for the sake of Jesus Christ. These brave men and women were under persecution and have been received into convert homes and fortified there. The apostle is commending him for right treatment for his brothers and sisters who are in Christ.
Daily Prayer: Father, let me be a partner with you in the gospel. For those who are away from home, let me be one who give daily bread and strengthening to those who labor for the gospel. In Jesus name and for his sake I pray Amen.
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