Faitful Gaius

Beloved [Gaius], you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethen and for strangers. - 3 John 1:5

Third John presents a sharp contrast between the way two members of the church welcomed believers who visited them. The letter is addressed to "the beloved" Gaius, whom John loved "in truth" (v.1). The truth was in him as he walked with God (v.3). Whatever he did for his "brethren'' - itinerant missionaries and teachers such as Paul - he did it faithfully and with love (w.5-6).

Diotrephes was another story. He was proud and domineering (v.9), and spoke against those who came in the name of Christ (v.10), probably even Paul. In addition, he drove out of the church anyone who wanted to accept them. No doubt he did this to protect his position and self-interests and to keep the focus on himself.

My wife, Shirley, and I, along with our granddaughter Bree, recently visited a country once closed to the gospel. The believers welcomed us with trust, openness, hospitality, and genuine love. Though they had little, their generosity was astounding. What an encouragement to us! They truly followed the example of faithful Gaius. May God give us a loving and faithful spirit that enables us to treat our fellow believers in "a manner worthy of God" (v.6). - David C. Egner


A time for fellowship that's sweet,
A time for sacred song;
But never is there time to treat
A human being wrong. - Isenhour

Christlike hospitality is an open heart and an open home.

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3 John

The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn't accept what we say. Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words.

Not content with this, neither he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly. Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is for God. He who does evil hasn't seen God. Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself, yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

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