John's third epistle was written to Gaius. He could have been the same one baptized by Paul (I Cor. 1:14) and became one of his companions. (Acts 19:29) But, it is not surprising that he was also well acquainted with John. Just an ordinary Christian, John thought highly of him and refers to him as "... my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth." He continued:

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all goes we// with you, even as your soul is getting along well. It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth." (NIV)

John doesn't say a whole lot about Gaius, but notice what he does say:

First, his soul was getting along well. The KJV says that his soul had "prospered". Gaius may have been in poor health and John hoped that his health would improve and prosper even as his soul prospered. Gaius was a man who had developed spiritually. He had grown in "grace and knowledge". He had become a full?grown Christian. What is the condition of your soul? Is it sickly or well?

Second, he walked in the truth. The truth is God's word (Jno 17:17) Gaius knew the truth and lived by it. Can this be said of you and me? There is much error in the world today ? so many conflicting doctrines. But, we have God's truth. It is revealed in the Bible. Do we walk by the truth as Gaius did?

Third, he was considered faithful. He could always be counted on to do the right thing. Are we faithful? Are we faithful to our spouses? To our children? To our commitments? Do we keep our promises and pay our debts? If John were still living would he consider you and me faithful to our commitments to God, Christ and the church?

Fourth, he encouraged gospel preachers. In those days preachers traveled about from place to place with little or no financial resources. It was a difficult and discouraging work. There were few decent places to stay even if they could afford it. They would not ask pagans to help them. They depended upon the generosity of the brethren to give them food and places to stay. Gaius is commended for doing this. Not everyone can or should preach publicly. But, encouraging the preaching of the gospel is something that everyone can do. This can be done in many different ways, including words of encouragement, prayers and helping with necessary funding. It may not now be necessary to take itinerate preachers into our homes. There are now so many nice and affordable places for them to stay. But, we can still assist them and be partners with them in the preaching of the gospel. This may be done by both congregations and individuals. When brethren do this then like Gaius, they become (according to the KJV) "fellow helpers to (for) the truth.