3 JOHN 1:1. SALUTATION. Gaius (or Caius) was a common Roman name, being applied elsewhere in the NT to men belonging to Macedonia (Acts 19:29), Derbe (Ac. 204) and Corinth (1 Cor. 114). The Gaius of 3 Jn. may have been distinct from all these, though early tradition says that Gaius of Corinth acted... [ Continue Reading ]
3 JOHN 1:12. COMMENDATION OF DEMETRIUS. He was probably the bearer of this letter and one of the evangelists. The name was so common that any identification with the Demetrius of Acts 19:24 is improbable. 3 JOHN 1:13. CONCLUSION. The writer adds no more because he hopes soon to visit Gaius. He sen... [ Continue Reading ]
COMMENDATION OF GAIUS. John expresses his delight at the witness borne to the moral integrity of Gaius by some who had visited the apostle. He prays that Gaius may have prosperity and health commensurate with his spiritual wellbeing. Gaius is also commended for the hospitality which he is known to g... [ Continue Reading ]
DIOTREPHES AND HIS EVIL DOINGS. This leading official in the church of which Gaius was a member is denounced because of his ambition, and his inhospitable treatment of the elder and his friends. 3 JOHN 1:9_ A_. See Introduction. DIOTREPHES: his name (nourished of Zeus) suggests heathen birth. He a... [ Continue Reading ]