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Greeting to Gaius from the Elder
1Theelder,To thebelovedGaius,whomIloveinthe truth:2Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.…

Treasury of Scripture

The elder to the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

A.

2 John 1:1
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

the well-beloved.

Acts 19:29
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

Acts 20:4
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

Romans 16:23
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

whom.

1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

See on

2 John 1:1
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

in the truth.

BelovedChurchDearElderFriendGaiusGa'iusLoveRulerTrue.TruthWellbelovedWell-BelovedWordBelovedChurchDearElderFriendGaiusGa'iusLoveRulerTrue.TruthWellbelovedWell-BelovedWord1.He commends Gaius for his piety,
5.and hospitality,
7.to true preachers;
9.complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;
11.whose evil example is not to be followed;
12.and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.

The elder
This term refers to the Apostle John, who is traditionally understood to be the author of this letter. The title "elder" signifies his role as a senior leader and respected authority within the early Christian community. It reflects his advanced age and his position of spiritual oversight. The use of "elder" also connects to the structure of early church leadership, where elders were responsible for teaching, guiding, and maintaining doctrinal purity (1 Peter 5:1-3).

To the beloved Gaius
Gaius was a common name in the Roman Empire, and this particular Gaius is not definitively identified with any other Gaius mentioned in the New Testament. However, he is clearly a prominent member of the church, known for his faithfulness and hospitality. The term "beloved" indicates a deep affection and respect, suggesting that Gaius was well-regarded for his commitment to the truth and his support of itinerant missionaries. This reflects the early Christian emphasis on community and mutual support (Romans 16:23;Acts 19:29).

whom I love in the truth
This phrase underscores the bond between John and Gaius, rooted in their shared commitment to the truth of the Gospel. "In the truth" implies a relationship founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. It highlights the importance of truth as a central tenet of Christian fellowship and love, as seen in other Johannine writings (John 17:17; 2John 1:1-2). This love is not merely emotional but is grounded in the shared belief and practice of the Christian faith, emphasizing the unity and integrity of the early church community.

1.The Elder
This refers to the Apostle John, who is traditionally understood to be the author of this epistle. As an elder, John holds a position of authority and spiritual maturity within the early Christian community.

2.Gaius
A common name in the Roman world, Gaius is the recipient of this letter. He is described as "beloved" and is someone whom John loves "in the truth," indicating a deep spiritual bond and shared faith.

3.The Truth
This is a central theme in John's writings, often referring to the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It underscores the foundation of the relationship between John and Gaius.The Role of Spiritual Leadership
John identifies himself as "the elder," highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and mentorship in the Christian community. Leaders are called to guide others in truth and love.

The Importance of Truth in Relationships
The phrase "whom I love in the truth" suggests that Christian relationships should be rooted in the truth of the Gospel. This truth should guide our interactions and affections.

The Value of Christian Fellowship
The personal nature of this letter to Gaius reflects the value of close, personal relationships within the body of Christ. Such relationships are vital for encouragement and spiritual growth.

Expressing Love and Affection
John's affectionate greeting to Gaius serves as a model for expressing love and appreciation for fellow believers. It is important to communicate our love and support to those in our spiritual community.1.What is the meaning of 3 John 1:1?

2.How does 3 John 1:1 demonstrate the importance of truth in Christian relationships?

3.What can we learn from "the elder" about leadership in the church today?

4.How does 3 John 1:1 connect with other scriptures about love and truth?

5.In what ways can we emulate "the elder's" love for fellow believers?

6.How can we apply the principles of 3 John 1:1 in our daily lives?

7.Who is the "elder" mentioned in 3 John 1:1, and what is his significance?

8.What is the historical context of 3 John 1:1?

9.How does 3 John 1:1 reflect early Christian leadership structures?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 3 John 1?

11.How can we be certain the “elder” in 3 John 1 is truly the Apostle John given the lack of explicit identification?

12.Who is the author of 3 John?

13.If 3 John 1 is authentic, why does it omit any mention of Jesus’s teachings or miracles?

14.Why is there no clear historical or archaeological evidence confirming the exact circumstances described in 3 John 1?The elder

• John introduces himself simply as “the elder,” showing humility while acknowledging the pastoral authority God has given him (2 John 1:1;1 Peter 5:1).

• The title points to spiritual maturity and proven leadership, not merely age.

• By choosing this term instead of his name or apostolic credentials, John models servant-hearted oversight—a reminder that true authority in the church is exercised through shepherd-like care (Matthew 23:11).

• Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we trust that this greeting comes from the historical John, inspired by the Holy Spirit to write eternal truth (2 Timothy 3:16).

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To the beloved Gaius

• “Beloved” (also v. 2) signals deep Christian affection. John is not writing an impersonal memo but a heartfelt letter to a dear friend.

• Several men named Gaius appear inActs 19:29;Acts 20:4;Romans 16:23;1 Corinthians 1:14. Whether this is one of them or another believer, the Spirit highlights his faithfulness rather than his résumé.

• Gaius’s mention reminds us that God knows individual saints by name, valuing personal faithfulness even when history gives few details (Luke 10:20).

• The church today still needs Gaiuses—ordinary believers whose hospitality and loyalty strengthen gospel work (3 John 1:5-8).

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whom I love

• John repeats the language of love that saturates his Gospel and letters (John 13:34;1 John 3:18). He practices what he preaches—love expressed not merely in words but in deeds, beginning with this encouraging note.

• The phrase underscores Christian relationships as family bonds, not business partnerships (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

• Genuine love motivates the entire letter: John will later commend Gaius for walking in truth and warn him about disruptive leaders. Love confronts error while affirming the beloved.

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in the truth

• Love is anchored “in the truth,” meaning the revelation of God in Christ and His Word (John 14:6). Truth gives love its backbone; love prevents truth from becoming harsh (Ephesians 4:15).

• The phrase links 3 John with2 John 1:1-2, showing that truth both indwells believers and unites them.

• By tying his affection to truth, John reminds us that Christian unity is grounded in shared, unchanging doctrine, not mere sentiment (Psalm 119:160;1 John 1:6).

• When believers walk in truth, their relationships flourish in sincerity, accountability, and mutual growth.

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summary

John’s opening line packs rich theology into a warm greeting. The Spirit-inspired elder addresses a cherished friend by name, expressing genuine love that is inseparably linked to the truth of the gospel. This brief verse invites us to practice humble leadership, personal care for fellow believers, heartfelt love, and steadfast commitment to God’s truth—foundational qualities for every healthy church and faithful Christian life.

(1)The elder.--See theIntroduction,and2John 1:1.

Gaius.--The common Roman name Caius. A Caius is mentioned inActs 19:29;Acts 20:4;Romans 16:23;1Corinthians 1:14. The difference in date between these and St. John's correspondent would alone be sufficient reason against any attempt at identification. There is nothing to show whether he was a presbyter or not. . . .

Verse 1. -To Gaius the beloved (Γαι'´ῳ τῷ ἀγαπητῷ). This is additional reason for thinking thatκυρία in the Second Epistle is not a proper name; if it were we should probably have the same formula as we have here,Κυρίᾳ τῇ ἐκλεκτῇ. The nameGaius occurs elsewhere in the New Testament four times (Acts 19:29;Acts 20:4;Romans 16:23;1 Corinthians 1:14); as it was as common in the Roman Empire asJohn Smith is among ourselves, it would be rash to infer that the Gaius addressed here is the same as any of those mentioned elsewhere. In all probability there are at least four persons of this name in the New Testament. In the opening of this Epistle also we have to remark the characteristic repetition of the word "truth," which occurs four times in the first four verses. Deeds, in which Gaius and Demetrius were rich, not words, of which Diotrephes was so prodigal, are what win the approbation and love of the apostle. The thing which he hates is unreality; the object of his special adoration is "the truth;" "to walk in the truth" is nothing less than to follow in the footsteps of the Lord.

Parallel Commentaries ...


The
Ὁ(Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

elder,
πρεσβύτερος(presbyteros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4245:Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.

To the
τῷ(tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

beloved
ἀγαπητῷ(agapētō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 27:From agapao; beloved.

Gaius,
Γαΐῳ(Gaiō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1050:Gaius, (a) a Corinthian, (b) a Macedonian, (c) a citizen of Derbe, (d) an Ephesian. Of Latin origin; Gaius, a Christian.

whom
ὃν(hon)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.

I
ἐγὼ(egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

love
ἀγαπῶ(agapō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 25:To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.

in
ἐν(en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] truth:
ἀληθείᾳ(alētheia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.


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NT Letters: 3 John 1:1 The elder to Gaius the beloved whom (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo)