The message here is plain, straightforward and brief: “Thanks for taking care of God’s people”. Here’s why John had to write in the first place.
It’s always nice to say “thanks” to someone who is helping out, and it’s especially considerate to express thanks when you are the third party. We would expect the travelers to say thanks, but here is John adding his thanks as well. That tells me several things: first, John feels responsibility for the traveling ministers, and for the body of Christ itself. Since Gaius is helping the body, John is moved to say thank you. Secondly, John is a compassionate, encouraging sort of person. I have no doubt that most people wanted to be around him. John doesn’t preach in his encouraging note, as Paul might have done. He simply encourages his friend to continue to bless others and reminds him that his actions are exactly what genuine Christians do.
Interestingly, there is a guy in town who is advocating against helping the travelers. I wonder what possible argument he could present that would make sense? Maybe he said “we need the money to help people in our own community” or “if we start giving out food and money to every teacher that comes through here pretty soon we won’t have any left”. Or maybe he said “let these travelers find their own resources. If they want to do this, then they should pay their own way…that’s what the rest of us do”.
Of course you probably already know where I am going with my musing… These are some of the same arguments that people use today to justify not supporting missionaries, or evangelists and the like. It all sounds good on the surface, but when you look a little closer the argument usually stems from either greed or lack of faith in God’s provision.
I trust that you will be an encouragement to others as they cross your path, whether they are the traveler or the one who is meeting a need.
Be blessed!
PR