|
The apostle John addressed this letter to "the beloved
Gaius whom I love in the truth" (v.1). John wrote asking
Gaius to look after the preachers of the true gospel who were
currently in his area and to attend to their needs. Gaius
was well known for his kindness. Some of the believers had
reported this to John. They had confirmed also that he was
following "the truth" (v.3). Strangers, too, had
told the church about his kindness.
Another faithful believer mentioned in the letter was Demetrius
(v.12). John wrote that he too had a good report from all
men.
For us the message is clear. What we believe and how we live
are both vital. If we are faithful to God's word we too can
obtain "a good report" - from God Himself (see Hebrews
11:39,40).
Both the second and third letters of John are short. Perhaps
conscious of this, John ends each one by saying that he has
more he could write about, but he will come and visit his
readers instead: "I had many things to write, but I will
not with ink and pen write unto thee, but I trust I shall
shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face" (vv.13,14).
|