A FRIENDLY GREETING TO GAIUS.
Who was GAIUS?
The name GAIUS is a common name used in the Roman world, just as Tom Smith is a common name today.
It is addressed not only to GAIUS but also to those who are hospitable to visiting Preachers, Missionaries, and Evangelists.
GAIUS was honoured for his kindness toward those ministering the truth of the Gospel of Christ.
Hospitality was sometimes very tiring, and maybe Gaius was overdoing it at personal cost? Maybe that’s why John mentioned his health.
Over and against unselfish Gaius, there was Diotrephes, a selfish, proud, arrogant man who was indeed a sorry contrast. His unruly tongue and fiery temper made him unacceptable to fellow Christians.
He loved to have preeminence over people. A mister “Know-it-all.”
Have you ever encountered a person like that?
It can be very frustrating; they are overbearing and controlling.
Though he was not teaching false Doctrine, he was not submissive to God-given authority. He lacked
“True Love,” as in,
1 Corinthians chapter 13… “Love that doesn’t seek its own.”
If you have someone like this in your life who is controlling your thinking, your sentences, convictions, decisions, and your walk in truth. Don’t give in to them just to keep peace. They are destroying your soul.
REMOVE THEM… OR REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THEM … WALK AWAY!
I’m pretty sure that John dealt with that situation soon after coming to see Gaius.
God wants us to submit to Godly authority in love and respect. This corrupt leader in John’s Church prevented men of God from ministering in his Church by withdrawing hospitality. Not only that, but he cast out anyone else who would receive them.
A PERSONAL LETTER TO GAIUS ALONE.
John the Apostle, also known as the Elder, especially encourages his friend Gaius to follow good and to maintain the simplicity of the Gospel, as he was personally interested in his well-being.
Verses 2, 3.
“BELOVED, I WISH, ( DESIRE) ABOVE ALL THINGS YOU WILL PROSPER AND BE IN HEALTH, EVEN AS YOUR SOUL PROSPERS.”
Here is the same verse from the Passion Translation.
(Tradition has it that Gaius was one of the seventy sent out by Christ and later was ordained by John as the Bishop of Pergamum.)
“MY BELOVED FRIEND, I PRAY THAT YOU ARE PROSPERING IN EVERY WAY, AND THAT YOU CONTINUE TO ENJOY GOOD HEALTH, JUST AS YOU ARE NOW PROSPERING.”
John wants Gaius to be enjoying good health not only spiritually but physically, that it will mirror the prosperity of his Soul.
Was Gaius in poor health?
It does not say. I think it was merely a greeting between two close friends who desired that the other experience holistic well-being that aligns with spiritual well-being, the state of the Soul.
It is not really proof of the Prosperity Gospel financially, but rather the desire that the recipient enjoy health in all areas of life—spirit, Soul, and body—living the Abundant Life, as it were.
We love to bless our friends and are eager to see them thrive in every area of their lives, no matter the formidable obstacles they face.
THE MAIN POINT.
John wanted to assure them of a warm welcome passed on to them from all the churches he had visited who showed him hospitality and a generous send- off in a manner worthy of God.
He emphasised the importance of showing hospitality to visitors who carried the Gospel message, even if they did not completely agree with their convictions.
We as Christians are to live the truth of Christ’s life, a ministry by caring for and supporting God’s people.
Remember that Jesus was well supported by those who took care of Him.
So as you read this little book of fifteen verses, you also can have a part in supporting those whom God sends your way.
Have nutritious meals prepared for them, a comfortable bedroom and all the necessities needed so they can enjoy a very pleasant stay… So that nothing can hinder the teaching of God’s Word.
‘See that you are given to hospitality.’
Amen.
Comments: SMS HEATHER DALZELL. O417 545814.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
Email address.
heatherdalzell777@Gmail.com. Thankyou and bless you.
Light in the Darkness! 