3 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.
John had not witnessed the spiritual growth of Gaius firsthand but had received it from the testimony of other brethren. There were most likely Christians that worked alongside of John who regularly traveled to Ephesus and reported to him on the growth of the churches. John being an older man at this time would have had a hard time traveling very far. He most likely heard of Gaius' generosity from these traveling missionaries.
Gaius was walking in the truth, synonymous with walking in the light which meant that not only was he faithful in what he believed, but also faithful in how he lived. The truth is the teaching and the doctrine of the apostles, which gives the testimony of Christ. He lived his life with a desire to be obedient to Jesus, and with a love for Him in his heart. Whatever we allow to rule within us will characterize our walk, and the Holy Spirit is one of truth. When we are living in submission and in agreement to the Spirit we display truth in our lives even in a deceptive and crooked world. We are to be light in the midst of darkness, and truth in the midst of error. Gaius having been aware of the truth, could exercise good spiritual discernment and was not afraid to act in love towards the brethren, and as we will read later in this epistle, he generously opened up his home towards missionaries that a proud man named Diotrephes would turn away. These brethren bore witness that Gaius behaved godly in a difficult situation, and could confidently give a positive testimony regarding his faith.
John had not witnessed the spiritual growth of Gaius firsthand but had received it from the testimony of other brethren. There were most likely Christians that worked alongside of John who regularly traveled to Ephesus and reported to him on the growth of the churches. John being an older man at this time would have had a hard time traveling very far. He most likely heard of Gaius' generosity from these traveling missionaries.
Gaius was walking in the truth, synonymous with walking in the light which meant that not only was he faithful in what he believed, but also faithful in how he lived. The truth is the teaching and the doctrine of the apostles, which gives the testimony of Christ. He lived his life with a desire to be obedient to Jesus, and with a love for Him in his heart. Whatever we allow to rule within us will characterize our walk, and the Holy Spirit is one of truth. When we are living in submission and in agreement to the Spirit we display truth in our lives even in a deceptive and crooked world. We are to be light in the midst of darkness, and truth in the midst of error. Gaius having been aware of the truth, could exercise good spiritual discernment and was not afraid to act in love towards the brethren, and as we will read later in this epistle, he generously opened up his home towards missionaries that a proud man named Diotrephes would turn away. These brethren bore witness that Gaius behaved godly in a difficult situation, and could confidently give a positive testimony regarding his faith.
