John commended Gaius for his love of the brethren to encourage him to continue practicing this virtue.
v. 5 John loved Gaius as Gaius loved the brethren to whom he had extended hospitality.
"The early Christian community's deep interest in hospitality is inherited from both its Jewish roots and the Greco-Roman culture of its day."6
John's affection for Gaius is obvious in his repeated use of the word "beloved"(cf. v. 2). Gaius acted faithfully in the sense that his behavior was consistent with God's truth (cf. 2 John 1-2).
It is possible that Gaius had shown love "for the brethren and for strangers"as some Greek texts read. On the other hand, perhaps the NASB translation is correct: he showed love to the brethren and even to those brethren who were strangers to him. Probably Gaius had demonstrated love to all these varieties of people (cf. Heb. 13:2).
v. 6 The church in view was John's church, probably in Ephesus. "You will do well"is an idiom that we could translate "Please."John urged Gaius to continue his commendable treatment of visitors. He could do so during their stay with him and when they departed by sending them on their way with adequate provisions (cf. Acts 15:3; 20:38; 2:15; Rom. 15:24; 1 Cor. 16:6; Titus 3:13).
"The point is still relevant. Christian ministers and missionaries live in the faith that God will encourage his people to provide for their needs; it is better that such provision err on the side of generosity than stinginess."7
"Always and everywhere that man is to be highly esteemed in the Church, who combines firm convictions with a generous heart."8
v. 7 The brethren in view in this whole situation were traveling preachers. To go out in the name of Christ was a great honor because of that name.9
"This Name' is in essence the sum of the Christian Creed (comp. I Cor. xii. 3; Rom. x. 9)."10
Early Christian preachers normally received material support from other believers (cf. Acts 20:35; 1 Cor. 9:14; 1 Thess. 3:7-9) or they supported themselves. They did not solicit funds from unbelievers (cf. Matt. 10:8; 2 Cor. 12:14; 1 Thess. 2:9). "Gentiles"was a general term for unbelievers. Most of the Gentiles were pagans.
"There were numerous peripatetic streetpreachers from religious and philosophical cults who avariciously solicited funds from their audiences."11
"Even in the present day, there is something unseemly in a preacher of the gospel soliciting funds from people to whom he offers God's free salvation."12
v. 8 Giving financial and hospitable aid makes the giver a partner with the receiver in his work (cf. 2 John 10-11). Since pagans did not support Christian preachers and teachers, the duty of Christians to support them was even greater. Note John's emphasis on the truth again. Preaching the gospel is proclaiming the truth.
