Introduction:
There are several recorded Christians with the name Gaios. We have Gaios of Derbe (Act 20:4), Gaios of probably Macedonia (Act 19:29), Gaios of Rome (Rom 16:23) and Gaios of Corinth (Cor 1:14).
The letter was written between AD 85-95. It commends an Elder Gaius of a church near Ephesus and condemn Diotrephes, a dictator, who was overbearing and domineering on the church. The letter encourages the church to remember the labour of itinerant co-workers like himself and Demitrios and to love by doing good to them.
3 John
Walking in a healthy and sound teaching
1. To the Elder, dear beloved Gaios (Caius), whom I love in the truth.
2. Dearly Beloved, concerning all of you, I wish you all to progress well/prosper on the way just as your soul have healthy doctrines, and progress/prosper on the way.
3. For, I am very much glad, as a brother who has come to bear witness/testify the Truth to you, just as you are to walk around in Truth (or be occupied with Truth by proving your ability).
4. I have no joy, as great to this thing; at least, to hear that my children (teknon/little Christians) are walking in the Truth.
Agape Love is to do virtuous things to everyone including strangers
5. Beloved, do things for the Faithful ones who in case, labour on this thing unto the brethren and stranger.
6. Those who have testified worthily of God, before the Church (Christ-called out people); and to whom you you will do well to help in sending them forth on their journey by selfless-Love.
7. For they have proceeded out, for the sake of the Name, taking nothing away from the heathen-nations.
8. Therefore, we must undertake (carry upward) for such men, at least, who have become co-labourers (fellow workers) of the truth.
Diotrephes: a bad example of church goers
9. On the contrary, I write to certain people of the Church, who are fond of self recognition/over ambitious/fond of being preeminent over them; like Diotrephes, who did not welcome us.
10 he babbled me (talked rapidly in foolish way) with hurtful words and not even satisfied upon these, he did not hospitably admit the brethren, but forbid/preclude (make mission impossible) to those who are willing, and throw them out from the Church.
**By this reason, in case they come, quietly remember their works/labors which they have done**
11. Beloved, never imitate evil, but good things as the benevolent ones or doers of good things, who are from God; because those evil doers have never clearly discern God.
Demetrius and John are good examples of co-workers of the Truth.
12. Demetrios, is a witness who has testified to all (people), and to them who are of the truth. I have also testified, and I am aware that my testimony is true.
13. I have many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you through pen (reed) and black (ink);
Conclusion: Gaius should discern and preach this thing.
14. But I hope you will immediately discern clearly and preach it mouth to mouth. Greetings to your friends. Greet/embrace all friends by names. Peace be unto you.
