1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, 7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. 10Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
11Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God. 12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; 14but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.
Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
John was aware of Gaius’ hospitable treatment of Christian strangers by the testimonies of those he had been hospitable toward. John’s view of him was based on eyewitness accounts delivered to John’s church in Ephesus, “the assembly.”
Gaius will continue to do well if he continues his practice. To send them forward means helping them continue their travel to the next church where they are to minister. This would include such things as financial support for travel expenses and possibly a letter to a friend in the next city endorsing the traveler.
John encourages Gaius to continue supporting these traveling preachers. To support them “worthy of God” means to do it in such a way that God is glorified and appreciates it. The Greco-Roman concept of doing something worthy of the gods meant to live in a way that enhanced that god’s reputation and, in turn, the god would take note of that person in appreciation. Paul used this concept when he spoke of walking worthy of God (Col 1:10; 1 Thess 2:12) and indicated that it is true of God. When we live in a way that enhances His reputation, that brings Him glory, He appreciates us. John is encouraging Gaius to do this very thing.