There are five references to Gaius in the Scriptures. Whether they refer to one and the same Gaius is a question.
(1) Gaius, a man of Macedonia, a companion in travel with the Apostle Paul at Ephesus on the occasion of the riot, caused by the silversmiths, who made shrines for the goddess Diana, and who feared that their craft was endangered (see Acts 19:29).
(2) Gaius of Derbe, a companion in travel with the Apostle Paul when he journeyed into Asia (see Acts 20:4), after leaving Ephesus. It looks as if these two Gaiuses were one and the same, seeing they were both companions in travel with Paul and that the visit to Asia followed soon after that to Ephesus.
(3) Gaius who was baptized by the Apostle Paul at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:14). Corinth was in Macedonia, and we are told in Acts 19:29 that Gaius was of Macedonia, so the strong probability is that these are one and the same Gains. When baptized he was at the beginning of his Christian career. He evidently was a well-known brother.
(4) Gaius, who was the Apostle Paul’s host and of the whole church, sent his salutations to the brethren
(5) Gaius to whom the Apostle John addressed his third Epistle. The Apostle praised him for his consistent walk as a Christian and for his kindness and hospitality which he showed to the brethren and to strangers.
Two great lessons we learn from this Gaius, especially as it looks as if the Gaius in Romans 16 were the same as in John 3*. In both cases the exercise of hospitality marked him.
{*We are inclined to think that the five references to Gaius point to one and the same individual.}
Hospitality has a large place in the Scriptures. “Given to hospitality,” (Rom. 12:13) should be the disposition of all Christians. “Given to hospitality” (1 Tim. 3:2), “A lover of hospitality” (Titus 1:8)—were the characteristics of a bishop or overseer in the house of God. The Apostle Peter has a striking exhortation, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 Peter 4:9). Why “without grudging”? It may be the Apostle, as a married man, recognized that hospitality costs money, and entails labour and self-sacrifice. Extra food must be bought, sleeping accommodation provided, and extra plates, knives, forks and spoons have to be washed up. So “without grudging” is a very happy exhortation. Then we have the exhortation in Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for some have entertained angels unawares.” It is all on the lines that it is more blessed to give than to receive. There must be the giving as well as the getting in spiritual life, if we are to be true and healthy Christians. To get and not to give makes a miser, whether in the natural world or the spiritual. To give and not to get makes the prodigal and the bankrupt. “Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8).
Hospitality then marked the Gaius of Romans and the Gaius of 3 John. Thirty years elapsed—A.D. 60 to 90—between the writing of the two Epistles, so if these are one and the same Gaius it means steady continuance in well doing. If this were so, what a happy lesson it teaches us His was no sudden spurt on these lines. Comparatively a young man, his love to the Lord showed itself in care for the saints, and again in old age we see the same lovely trait marking him. Of course the Gaius of 3 John was familiar with the words of the King, “INASMUCH as ye have done it to the least of these My brethren, ye have done it UNTO ME” (Matt. 25:40 and 45).
We would appeal to young Christian married couples to begin on these lines, to carry out these exhortations of Scripture, it is sweet to see the young thus caring for the interests of the Lord.
We know towns where hospitality is not available, or at any rate, difficult to arrange, and the assemblies of God’s people suffer through lack of ministry. On the other hand we know towns where brethren vie with each other in showing hospitality, and this happy service is seen in ministry being abundant and helpful among the saints. If a servant of the Lord receives hospitality, and his ministry builds up and edifies the saints, one and all are indebted to the home where gracious hospitality is dispensed.
Moreover we have the encouragement of knowing that God Himself appreciates what is done in His name. “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister. And we desire that EVERY ONE OF YOU do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end” (Heb. 6:10-11). Gaius in A.D. 90 was showing forth this diligence to the end.
All through the Old Testament we have instances of prompt and ready hospitality. We read of Sarah kneading cakes on the hearth, whilst her husband Abraham went to fetch the calf, tender and good, and the setting of butter and milk before his unexpected visitors, one being the Lord Himself, and many other instances.
There is an interesting story told of that eminent servant of God—J.N.Darby. He arrived at the railway station, and was met by a number of brethren. One, a rich brother with his carriage and pair, came forward to claim the distinguished servant as his guest. Mr. Darby was very quick in grasping a situation. He hastily enquired, “Who generally receives the Lord’s servants?” They pointed to a humble brother, with no carriage and horses. “Then,” said Mr. Darby, “I stay with him,” thus showing his appreciation of that which was general in his attitude towards hospitality. The rich brother went home alone. If he had cared for humble saints no doubt he would have had the honour of receiving Mr. Darby. Did he know the meaning of “INASMUCH”?
We learn a second lesson from Gaius in 3 John. The Apostle wished for Gaius that he might prosper and be in health, even as his soul prospered (v. 2). We venture to think this wish is unique. We have never seen it in any other connection in our wide experience.
There are three things:
(1) Soul prosperity.
(2) Business prosperity.
(3) Bodily prosperity.
The first marked Gaius. He walked in the truth. He faithfully exercised charity and hospitality to the church, to the brethren and to strangers. This was so much so that the Apostle wished him business prosperity and bodily health. This meant he could be trusted with success. The secret would be that the Apostle had confidence that he would use these mercies in the Lords service.
Alas! we have known often quite the reverse. We have known brothers prosper in business, and one could wish their souls prospered in proportion to their earthly circumstances. Alas! how often it may be just the other way—as circumstances improve spiritual life fades. Riches are a great test. It is a very serious matter, for the pull of the world is strong. How sad was the Apostle Paul’s lament, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10). Again one has known spiritual saints in feeble bodies, and with returning health a fading in spiritual life.
How was it that Gaius could have this unique wish desired for him? We believe it was because there was AN OUTLET. He used his means and gave his labour in the Lord’s work. The Lord’s interests were first with him. The more he prospered in business and in health the more in means and strength he could place himself at the disposal of his Lord, and we believe he did.
These things are on the page of Holy Writ for our learning. May they have a practical and powerful lesson for us all.