First-of-all, let’s observe that John addresses this letter to Gaius. What was Gaius like? Was he like Willy Wonka? Was he like Master Oogway? Was he like Phil Connors? Gaius was a real person, so he certainly had a distinct personality, and a unique quality of character.

Second, John says, “I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” This strikes me as a VERY good thing to want and pray for people!

Third, John says, “I rejoiced greatly when I heard a report that you are walking in the truth! I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Holy smokes! John calls Gaius a child!?!? Going back to my first observation (Gaius is a real person, with a distinct personality), we must acknowledge that it is possible that Gaius is extremely offended by the fact that John refers to him as a child. I know a Ph.D “Christian” counselor/ruling elder in “good standing” in the PCA who would most certainly be offended if I called him a child. Hmmmmm…

Fourth, John talks about Gaius’s efforts for strangers. And John says that these strangers testify to Gaius’s LOVE (see 1 Corinthians 13). Then John says that Gaius will do well to send these strangers on their journey in a manner worthy of God. What does “a manner worthy of God” mean? Well… God became a human being, and lived – for approx. 3 decades – in this same dirty, gritty, burty world that we currently live in; and during that He was outdoorsy (e.g. on mountains, on seas, on beaches), and at parties (e.g. wedding feasts, the return of the wretched/wayward screwup son [see Luke 15], Levi’s house party, and quality time with Samaritans, etc.) …so a manner worthy God might have something to do with all that stuff we read about regarding Jesus of Nazareth.

Fifth, John mentions Diotrephes. And what John says about Diotrephes ain’t good. John says, “Diotrephes talks wicked nonsense, and Diotrephes refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.” Wowza. It’s kind of crazy that John mentions Diotrephes by name! I certainly think this of some people, but I am not willing to publicly name them.

Sixth, John says, “Whoever does good is from God.”

Seventh, John says, “I have much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.”