3 John 1:1-8

E.

Translation and Comments

1.

Gaius The Beloved. 3 John 1:1-8

(1) The old one to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. (3 John 1:2) Beloved, concerning everything I pray (for) you to prosper and to be in good health, just as also your soul is prospering. (3 John 1:3) I rejoiced greatly when brethren came to me testifying to your truth just as you are walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4) Greater joy than this I do not have, that I may be hearing of my children walking in truth. (3 John 1:5) Beloved, you are doing faithful works in whatever you may do for the brothers, and strangers at that, (3 John 1:6) the ones bearing witness of your love before the assembly; you will be doing well sending them forward worthily of God. (3 John 1:7) For they went out for the sake of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles (3 John 1:8) Therefore we ought to welcome such (men), in order that we may keep on becoming fellow workers with truth.

There is ample reason to believe that Gaius was a dear and intimate friend of John. He is four times referred to as beloved. In addition, John expresses concern for his health as well as his stand for the truth.
Concerning Gaius-' stand for truth, John has heard from mutual friends, and he rejoices. We know from both the Fourth Gospel and from John's first two letters that the chief concern of the Apostle's life is for truth as it is revealed in Christ. The gnostic influence in III John is indirect, but it is present. It is the spread of this false teaching which causes John to so greatly rejoice when he hears of those who are remaining faithful.

It is not unreasonable to suppose that Gaius was an elder in the congregation in which He served. The matter which John places before him is the matter of hospitality.

Hospitality is a matter nearly forgotten in our day of easy creature comfort, but it ought not so to be. When a Christian brother who, as in III John, is also a stranger, hospitality is the obligation of the church, and especially of the elders. They are to extend him the courtesy which is due one who labors in the truth. The Hebrew writer informs us that in this many have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2)

In verse five, John comes to the real purpose of his letter. Just as there were certain false teachers going about teaching error, there were also dedicated men going out in the name of Christ. Just as he would not have believers greet nor invite false teachers into their houses (2 John 1:10), he is equally concerned that no opportunity to extend hospitality to faithful men be missed.

Not only is the apostle anxious that those who went out in Christ's name be treated with hospitality, but he would also have Gaius send them forth worthily of God. Sending forth is frequently used in the New Testament to include financial support; the furnishing of the means of continuing the journey of service.
Visiting missionaries, since they are going out for the sake of the Name, are to be treated as one would treat Christ Himself. It is in His name, for the sake of His purpose that they are leaving the security of established homes to teach the truth. There is nothing less worthy of God than the niggardly treatment extended to such laborers by shortsighted church members, and even by those who share the eldership with Gaius.

The policy followed by Gaius-' visitors (as well as by Paul2 Corinthians 12:16-ff) of not taking money from those among whom they did missionary work, increases the necessity of hospitality and support. This policy is equally important on the mission field today. There is ever present danger that the missionary will be accused of doing what he does for the sake of monetary return. Therefore, it is required that Christians in established congregations furnish the missionary with his livelihood.

The responsibility of the church in the adequate direct support of those who give their full time to the preaching and teaching of the Word is a subject feared by too many modern preachers as well as their congregations. Paul, as John, makes no uncertain demands in this direction. (1 Corinthians 9:14)

The reward of financial support to Gospel preachers by those who render the support is that they thus become fellow workers with truth. Again Paul supports John's statement. In thanking the Philippians for their gift to himself, Paul expresses gratitude not only for the benefit their gift would bring him in his need, but that through their giving, they were permitted to share in his suffering for Christ's sake. (Philippians 4:10-20)