3 John 1:1

¶ The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

The elder {G4245} unto the wellbeloved {G27} Gaius {G1050}, whom {G3739} I {G1473} love {G25} in {G1722} the truth {G225}.

From: The Elder

To: Dear Gaius, whom I love in truth:

The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:

The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

Commentary

The Third Epistle of John opens with a warm, personal greeting from "The elder" to "the wellbeloved Gaius." This verse immediately sets a tone of affection and establishes the foundation of their relationship: shared faith in "the truth."

Context

Traditionally, "The elder" is understood to be the Apostle John, who also authored the Gospel of John and the Epistles of 1 and 2 John. This title, also used in 2 John 1:1, signifies not only his advanced age but also his respected apostolic authority and spiritual leadership within the early Christian community. Gaius, the recipient, is described as "wellbeloved," indicating a deep personal affection and spiritual bond. While there were several prominent Gaiuses in the New Testament, this particular Gaius is commended later in the epistle for his hospitality and faithfulness, particularly in supporting itinerant missionaries. This letter is a personal communication, addressing specific issues within the local church concerning hospitality, truth, and false teaching.

Key Themes

  • Authentic Christian Love: The phrase "whom I love in the truth" highlights that Christian love is not merely emotional sentiment but is grounded in shared adherence to the Gospel and sound doctrine. It's a love that is genuine and consistent with God's revealed truth.
  • The Centrality of Truth: For John, "the truth" (aletheia) is paramount. It refers to the reality of God, the person of Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the body of Christian doctrine revealed through the apostles. Love and fellowship are only genuine when they operate within the bounds of this truth.
  • Apostolic Affirmation: The elder's greeting serves as an affirmation of Gaius's character and faithfulness, setting a positive tone before addressing the challenges present in the community.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek term for "The elder" is ho presbyteros, denoting an older, respected leader or spiritual father in the church. The term "wellbeloved" is from agapetos, emphasizing a deep, cherished love often used for fellow believers, reflecting the distinctive agape love that characterizes Christian fellowship. Most significantly, the phrase "in the truth" (en aletheia) specifies the nature and foundation of this love. It means that the love is genuine, sincere, and crucially, rooted in the shared understanding and practice of God's revealed truth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

This opening verse reminds believers of the importance of building relationships on the foundation of shared faith and adherence to God's truth. Our love for one another as Christians should be more than superficial affection; it should be sincere and consistent with the Gospel we profess. It encourages us to affirm and appreciate those within our communities who walk faithfully in the truth and demonstrate genuine Christian character, like Gaius. This foundational concept of loving in deed and in truth remains a vital principle for healthy church life and personal spiritual integrity today.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 John 3:18

    My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

  • Romans 16:23

    Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:14

    ¶ I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

  • 2 John 1:1

    ¶ The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;

  • 2 John 1:13

    The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

  • Acts 19:29

    And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

  • Acts 20:4

    And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
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