In 3 John 1–8, the apostle John commends Gaius for walking in the truth and for his faithful, generous hospitality—especially to itinerant gospel workers who were strangers to him. Gaius’s support not only met practical needs but served the greater purpose of advancing the gospel “for the sake of the Name.” John encourages this continued partnership, reminding the church that by receiving, supporting, and sending missionaries in a manner worthy of God, believers become fellow workers with the truth. Our study will follow the outline below:

1. Gospel Love (v.1-2)
2. Gospel Joy (v.3-4)
3. Gospel Hospitality (v.5-8)

In verses 1–4, the apostle John warmly addresses Gaius, affirming his deep love and joy for him. He praises Gaius for walking in the truth—a life marked by spiritual faithfulness and integrity. John rejoices that others have testified about Gaius’s commitment to truth and godly living, and he expresses pastoral delight, saying, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 

John commends Gaius for his faithful hospitality in verses 5-8, shown especially to traveling gospel workers. Though strangers, Gaius cared for them generously and is urged to continue sending them out “in a manner worthy of God.”

Getting Started

1. Share a time when someone’s hospitality, encouragement, or support made a lasting impact on your walk with God.

• Read 3 John 1-8

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or convicting?

Digging Deeper

3. How does John describe Gaius in the opening verses? What qualities does he affirm in him, and why do you think this matters for the sake of the gospel?

4. Verses 5–6 describe Gaius’s hospitality to “strangers”—likely traveling missionaries or teachers. What principles of gospel welcome and generosity do you see here?

5. In what ways does John affirm that financial and material support for gospel workers makes us “fellow workers for the truth” (v. 8)? How is this a call to every believer?

The Heart of the Matter

6. In verse 8, John says, “we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” How does this contrast with division-seekers in Romans 16:17 18?

7. What can we learn from Gaius about walking in truth, showing love practically, and encouraging others at NLC?

8. In what ways can you strengthen gospel partnerships in NLC this week? How can the example of Gaius challenge us to cultivate a church culture that honours quiet faithfulness and invests in others for kingdom impact?