Gaius is the individual to whom the writer (elder) of 3 John addresses his letter. But what is noteworthy of Gaius is that he was said to be one whose was spiritually very healthy, i.e., the one whose soul prospered (3 John 1:2). The elder wishes that in like manner, may Gaius have physical health (3 John 1:2). Additionally the testimony of believers about Gaius was that he walked in the truth and was hospitable not only to those whom he knew, but also to strangers (3 John 1:3,5). Gaius is counseled to follow God and not evil (3 John 1:11).

What can we learn from Gaius?
First, we must be spiritually healthy, meaning we must live in such a manner that our soul prospers. Remember, Jesus’ question, what profit is it to a man (or woman) who can gain the whole world and yet lose his soul (Matthew 16:26). We must deny ourselves and take up our Cross and follow Jesus daily (as Gaius did). Second, we must walk in the truth. To walk in the truth is to have fellowship with Jesus Christ, for the Bible says, “If we say that we have fellowship with him [Jesus], and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:6,7). Third, we must be hospitable accepting our own and strangers, especially ministers who have committed their lives to going out and preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. This way, like Gaius, we would be deemed as fellow helpers to the truth (3 John 1:8).

3 John 1:1,2,3,5,7,8,11 (KJV)
1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
7 Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.