The Elder to the Beloved Gaius – 3 John 1:1-4

Whereas 1 John does not begin with John claiming any title, though he addresses his recipients as his little children, in 2 and 3 John he uses the title elder.  This emphasizes his church leadership role.  Why not use the term apostle?  This has led some to conclude that it is not the apostle John writing, but some other John, who is nevertheless highly respected.  This is possible, but it just as likely that John the apostle is using his title as elder for the purpose of highlighting the importance of the local church.

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.  Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.  (3 John 1:1-4 ESV)

John is undoubtedly an older man, but the term elder is also equivalent to pastor or overseer.  Churches were led by elders, and as such John has written to a group of churches (1 John), to an individual church (2 John) and now to an individual, no doubt all in the same region where he ministers.

Gaius appears to be a leader in the church who has been faced with the rottenness of another leader in his congregation.  But John first prays for Gaius that he will be as healthy physically as he is spiritually, because he believes Gaius is very healthy in his soul.  Others have testified that Gaius walks in the truth.

John’s heart overflows when his children walk in integrity and doctrinal purity.  His heart fills with love and joy for true believers.  Do our hearts swell with the same kind of emotion for our brothers and sisters in the faith?