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"To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth."

Text: 3 John 1

THE PRACTICE OF LOVE

The Apostle John certainly took to heart the command of the Lord Jesus Christ, to love one another (John 13:34-35). His writings reflect a tremendous heart of love. His heart of love was clearly expressed in the opening lines of his short letter to his good friend Gaius.

“The Elder,
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.”
3 John 1

1. “The Elder”

a) This is how John saw himself as he began writing to Gaius.

b) John could have used his title as an “Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ”.

c) Instead he chose this title: “Elder”.

2. Possible significance

a) To reflect his standing in the church at large.

i) This was a term that the Apostle Peter used to describe himself (1 Peter 5:1).

ii) This title was commonly used as a term of high regard and reverence.

b) To reflect his age.

i) John was the oldest surviving Apostle.

ii) Many of the apostles had been martyred.

c) To reflect his relationship with Gaius.

i) Gaius was the younger man.

ii) John was regarded as an “Elder” by Gaius.

3. “To the beloved Gaius”

a) Just as John loved “the elect lady” so he loved Gaius.

b) This was a love that was pure, deep and true.

c) Openly he addressed Gaius as “beloved”.

4. “Whom I love in truth”

a) The context is that of “the truth”.

b) John must have borne in mind what the Lord Jesus taught about “the truth”.

c) Truth and love went together closely as far as John was concerned.

d) His affection for Gaius was closely related to the word of truth that Jesus taught.

e) This was an affection that John consistently displayed in his life and ministry.