Matthew Henry

5-6

Gaius was known for his hospitality. That one belonged to Christ was all he needed to know for him to open his home to them. In this hospitality, he was able to overlook petty differences for the greater community of Christ. As a faithful worker, the praise John offers is not in danger of inflaming his pride. "The commendation of what is good is designed, not for our pride, but for our encouragement to continue therein". Returning in thought to verses 3-4, John's joy is in the report and its basis. That we walk in the truth is the best evidence that we know the truth. Love rejoices in the good report of good men. Just as parents take joy in seeing their child sincere in faith, so the minister his charges. Back now to verse 6. It appears that the custom in the early church was for some of the members to accompany the visiting evangelist for a part of their journey. (1Co 16:6 - Paul plans to spend the winter, and then be accompanied on his way.) To guide strangers in this way is a kindness and a pleasure to the traveler. "Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do...honorably and laudably". Even common activities can be done in a godly way, as serving God.

 

 

Adam Clarke

5

This faithfulness refers to Gaius' treatment of those of his own church, and those visiting evangelists, not to any pilgrims or penitent journeymen.

6

Such visitors have witnessed to his love and benevolence. Most likely, this witness was given before the church at Ephesus. In continuing after this fashion, Gaius will do well. These visitors may have been apostles, or their lesser known assistants. God's workers ought to receive treatment worthy of God - and able to be approved by God - from those they serve. When we send His workers out from our own body, they ought to be sent well provided for. From the record of the Epistles, it would seem that each church bore the expense of getting the evangelists from thence to the next church. This should remain true today.

 

 

Barnes

5

We move from general commendation to specific commendation, noting that Gaius' hospitality to the evangelists speaks well of his faithfulness. This faithfulness in hospitality matched all his dealings with these visitors, and with those of his own church. The visitors had likely come with letters of recommendation from John. (Ro 12:13 - Love ought to practice hospitality. Heb 13:2 - As we may be entertaining angels, we ought all the more diligently to practice hospitality.)

6

Apparently those who benefited by Gaius' efforts had returned to John and testified to it, perhaps at Ephesus, although this cannot be known with certainty. He had helped their journey by either traveling with them, or providing for the means of their progressing. It is possible that these brethren had born the prior letter, been rejected by the church, but aided by Gaius, and now purposed to return once more. As such, John explains why they are not commended to the church, as was customary. Our treatment of such itinerant workers ought to be as becomes those who serve God. In welcoming them, we do what religion requires in these circumstances.

 

 

Wycliffe

5

It would appear that Gaius had been reproved for accepting strangers, which reproof John now corrects. His reward for doing well is assured regarding his welcoming of John's messengers. (Mt 26:10 - Simon was bothered by the woman's good works, too. Rev 14:13 - Christian's are rewarded even in death, for their deeds follow with them.)

6

Those who benefited from Gaius' aid testified to it, most likely at Ephesus. He is urged to continue in this fashion. To bring forward was to provide provisions for the journey ahead. (Ac 15:3 - Paul and Barnabus were sent on through Phoenicia and Samaria. Ti 3:13 - He asks that Zenas and Apollos be so provided for that nothing is lacking.)

 

 

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

5

Gaius' acts are such as become a faithful man, being works of love. (Mt 26:10 - even as the woman's acts in perfuming Jesus was an act of love.) That those aided were strangers enhances the manifestation of love. This verse acts to bolster the idea that this Gaius is the one of Romans 16:23.

6

Those aided have testified, that others might be stimulated by the good example. These were missionary evangelists, who had apparently moved on to Ephesus, and noted Gaius in relating their journeys. Being God's ambassadors, they ought to be provided for in a manner worthy of such an office.

 

 

New Thoughts (4/25/00)

"Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do...honorably and laudably." "In welcoming them, we do what religion requires in these circumstances." The combination of these two statements really puts into perspective where we ought to be. Welcoming them was the minimum required by the circumstances. Gaius went beyond that in providing for their continued journey as well as their stay. He considered what he might do, what was the most he could give to the work. What a difference in attitude it takes to do the possible instead of stopping at the necessary. Necessity equates with drudgery in our minds. Housework is necessary. Taking out the trash is necessary. Going to work is necessary. These are not things that spark joy in us for the very reason that they are things we couldn't avoid anyway. At times, even tithing, prayer, going to church - all things that should be sources of joy and strength to us - fall into the category of necessity in our minds, and immediately lose their luster for us. What a difference, though, when we are doing them for God, not for necessity! The joy comes back in to each act. We can't wait for the next opportunity to talk to God, to visit His house, to be as close to Him as we can get! We begin looking for ways we can do more for Him, not because our works are going to do us any good, but just because we want to. Oh, that we could maintain that state of mind! Oh, that we could carry that state of mind out of the heavenlies and back to our duties. Working not for the company, but for the glory of God! Cooking not for the ungrateful family, but for our gracious Lord! Caring for the house not to impress others with our skills, but to please the God who provided it for us; to show our appreciation for His provision. God, help me to develop this attitude towards all I do. Help me to let go of that feeling of obligation, and look forward with a feeling of opportunity. Help me to attain to this viewpoint in my time with You, in my time with my family, in my time working. Help us to do what is possible for the furthering of Your work, and not stop at the merely necessary.