is addressed to Caius, or Gaius, but whether to the Christian of that name in Macedonia (Ac 19:29) or in Corinth (Ro 16:23) or in Derbe (Ac 20:4) is uncertain. It was written for the purpose of commending to Gaius some Christians who were strangers in the place where he lived, and who had gone thither for the purpose of preaching the gospel (ver. 7).

The Second and Third Epistles were probably written soon after the First, and from Ephesus.

This is addressed to 'the beloved Gaius,' but whether he is the same person as either of those mentioned elsewhere is not known. Gaius is commended for receiving and helping on those that travelled about doing the Lord's work; and Diotrephes is denounced for refusing to aid such, and for putting some out of the assembly. The spirit of clericalism was found thus early in the church. The apostle had no greater joy than to hear that his children were walking in the truth which was ever precious to him. Demetrius is commended, and greetings sent to Gaius and to 'the friends.'