Lexical Summary Gaios: Gaius Original Word: Γάϊος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gaius. Of Latin origin; Gaius (i.e. Caius), a Christian -- Gaius. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably of Latin origin Definition Gaius, the name of several Christian NASB Translation Gaius (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1050: ΓάϊοςΓάϊος (WH Γάϊος (cf. Iota)), Γαιου, ὁ, Gaius or Caius; the name of a Christian: 1. of Derbe: Acts 20:4. 2. of Macedonia: Acts 19:29. 3. of Corinth, Paul's host during his (second) sojourn there: Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14. 4. of an unknown Christian, to whom the third Epistle of John was addressed: 3 John 1:1. (B. D. American edition under the word Topical Lexicon Occurrences and IdentityStrong’s Greek 1050 (Γάϊος, Gaios) appears five times in the Greek New Testament, denoting at least four distinct believers whose lives intersect the apostolic record: Taken together, these references sketch a composite portrait of ordinary Christians who became extraordinary partners in gospel advance. Gaius of Macedonia – A Target of Persecution (Acts 19:29) During the Ephesian riot instigated by the silversmith Demetrius, “They seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia” (Acts 19:29). This Gaius stands as an early example of a Gentile convert willing to suffer public hostility for Christ. His detainment reveals both the volatility of pagan opposition and the solidarity of Paul’s team. By identifying him as “from Macedonia,” Luke highlights the trans-regional makeup of the missionary band and foreshadows the later Macedonian generosity celebrated in 2 Corinthians 8–9. Gaius of Derbe – A Faithful Companion on the Road (Acts 20:4) On Paul’s return through Macedonia, “Gaius of Derbe” joins the cohort conveying the collection for the Jerusalem saints. This Derbean disciple likely heard the gospel on Paul’s first journey (Acts 14:6–21). Years later he is trusted with a sensitive financial mission, demonstrating growth in character and reputation. His presence alongside representatives from several provinces illustrates the emerging unity of Jew and Gentile churches in practical service. Gaius of Corinth – Host, Convert, and Church Patron (1 Corinthians 1:14; Romans 16:23) Paul thanks God that he baptized only “Crispus and Gaius” in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14), indicating Gaius’ early conversion during the apostle’s eighteen-month stay (Acts 18). By the time Romans is penned from Corinth, Paul can write: “Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings” (Romans 16:23). His house had become the regular gathering place for believers, making him a pivotal lay leader. The twin notes of baptism and hospitality suggest spiritual responsiveness followed by tangible kingdom investment—an enduring pattern for Christian discipleship. Gaius, Beloved of the Elder (3 John 1:1) “The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth” (3 John 1:1). John’s short letter commends this Gaius for receiving itinerant teachers “in a manner worthy of God” (3 John 1:6). His walking “in the truth” (1:3) contrasts with Diotrephes’ self-exalting resistance (1:9–10). Though chronological distance and geography make identification with the Corinthian Gaius unlikely, both exhibit the same distinguishing grace—open-handed hospitality that furthers the gospel. Thematic Significance Hospitality as Missional Infrastructure Every recorded Gaius is linked to hospitality—sheltering Paul’s team, housing the Corinthian assembly, or aiding traveling missionaries. First-century evangelism depended on safe lodging and shared resources; the ministry of Gaius illustrates how lay believers supplied that need. His example informs modern practice: the home remains a strategic base for disciple-making and church planting (compare Acts 2:46; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2). Partnership Amid Persecution Whether dragged into the Ephesian theater or risking property by hosting gatherings, each Gaius accepts the cost of association with the apostolic mission. Their steadfastness under pressure embodies Paul’s prayer that believers be “strengthened with all power… so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:11). Unity in Diversity Macedonian, Galatian (Derbe), Achaian (Corinth), and an unnamed locale in 3 John—distinct regions, one faith. The recurrence of a common Roman name underscores the gospel’s penetration into the Gentile world while the distinct biographies reveal the Spirit’s work in varied cultural settings. Together they witness to the “one body” comprised of many members (1 Corinthians 12:12–13). Legacy for Church Life 1. Converts should be rapidly integrated into service. The baptism of the Corinthian Gaius precedes his emergence as host to the entire church. Conclusion The name Gaius threads through Acts, Paul’s correspondence, and the Johannine epistles as a quiet testimony to steadfast friendship, sacrificial hospitality, and courageous partnership in the gospel. These men, though sharing a common name, together model the indispensable role that ordinary believers play in the extraordinary advance of the kingdom of God. Forms and Transliterations Γαιον Γαῖον Γάϊον Γαιος Γαῖος Γάϊος γαϊσόν γαϊσω γαϊσώ Γαιω Γαίῳ Γαΐῳ Gaio Gaiō Gaíoi Gaíōi Gaion Gaîon Gaios GaîosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 19:29 N-AMSGRK: θέατρον συναρπάσαντες Γαῖον καὶ Ἀρίσταρχον NAS: dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, KJV: having caught Gaius and INT: theatre having seized with [them] Gaius and Aristarchus Acts 20:4 N-NMS Romans 16:23 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 1:14 N-AMS 3 John 1:1 N-DMS Strong's Greek 1050 |