This third letter of John centres around three men: Gaius, the example of one who follows Christ and loves others; Diotrephes, the self-proclaimed church leader who does not reflect God’s values; and Demetrius, who also follows the truth. John encourages Gaius to practise hospitality, continue to walk in the truth, and do what is right.
For Gaius, hospitality was a habit and his reputation for friendship and generosity had spread around.
Although this is a personal letter, there are lessons we can apply in our own lives. It helps us to see that some ways of demonstrating Christ’s values in our lives are by loving others opening our homes and touching others with his love.
To commend Gaius for his hospitality and to encourage him in his Christian life.
The apostle John.
The letter is written to Gaius, a prominent Christian in one of the churches known to John; and to all the believers everywhere.
The date is believed to have been probably around AD 85 – 90, from Ephesus; the same as 1 and 2 John.
Church leaders of that time travelled from town to town to help establish congregations and look after them. They depended on the hospitality of fellow believers who welcomed them into their homes.
“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you.’’ (1:5)
How do we understand our own hospitality and God’s hospitality?