Gaius is mentioned several times in the New Testament, referring to different men who shared the same common Roman name. The name Gaius was very popular in the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD. Here is an overview of the main biblical figures named Gaius:
Gaius of Macedonia
This Gaius was one of Paul’s early converts and traveling companions from Macedonia. He is first mentioned in Acts 19:29 as one of Paul’s companions who was dragged into the theater during the riot in Ephesus. Gaius is referred to as “Gaius of Macedonia” to distinguish him from the other men named Gaius in the New Testament.
In Acts 20:4, Gaius of Macedonia is listed as one of Paul’s companions who traveled with him from Greece through Asia Minor on his way back to Jerusalem. This verse indicates that Gaius was from the province of Macedonia, and he likely joined Paul’s ministry team during his time in Macedonia on his second or third missionary journey.
Some scholars identify Gaius of Macedonia as the same person as Titius Justus (Acts 18:7), one of Paul’s converts in Corinth who allowed Paul to preach from his home next to the synagogue when Paul was rejected by the Jews. However, there is no biblical evidence conclusively proving they are the same person.
Gaius of Derbe
This Gaius is named in Acts 20:4 among those accompanying Paul from Greece to Jerusalem. He is identified as being “of Derbe,” distinguishing him from Gaius of Macedonia. Derbe was one of the cities Paul visited on his first missionary journey in the region of Galatia (Acts 14:20). So Gaius of Derbe was likely converted and joined Paul’s ministry during his time there.
Gaius of Corinth
In Romans 16:23, the apostle Paul sends greetings from “Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church.” This Gaius lived in the city of Corinth and was Paul’s host while Paul lived and ministered there. Paul wrote Romans from Corinth during his third missionary journey, so this Gaius is distinguished from the others by his association with Corinth.
Based on 1 Corinthians 1:14, he was one of the first converts baptized by Paul in Corinth. Some scholars equate him with Titius Justus, the man who hosted Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:7). But there is no definite evidence that they are the same person.
Gaius the Recipient of 3 John
This Gaius is the recipient of the New Testament letter 3 John. The author, the apostle John, addressed the letter to “the beloved Gaius” and commended him for his faithfulness and hospitality (3 John 1:1,5-8). Based on the context, this Gaius seems to have been a leader in one of the churches under John’s oversight in Asia Minor towards the end of the first century AD.
3 John 1:2 indicates John was praying for Gaius’ health to prosper, so he may have been ill when John wrote to him. The purpose of John’s letter was to encourage Gaius to continue showing hospitality to those brothers in Christ who were traveling as itinerant preachers, even though a local church leader named Diotrephes was apparently opposed to it.
Gaius Baptized by Paul in Corinth
As mentioned previously, 1 Corinthians 1:14 records that Paul baptized Gaius along with Crispus and the household of Stephanus during his early ministry in the city of Corinth. This Gaius was likely one of the first converts Paul made in Corinth around AD 50.
Most scholars equate this Gaius with the Gaius who is called Paul’s host in Romans 16:23. Considering the close connection and overlap between Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians, it seems very plausible these references are to the same person.
Key Facts About Gaius
In summary, here are some key facts to know about the different biblical figures named Gaius:
- Gaius was a very common Roman name meaning “rejoicer.”
- At least four different men named Gaius are mentioned in the New Testament.
- Gaius of Macedonia – Convert from Macedonia, Paul’s companion on travels (Acts 19:29, 20:4)
- Gaius of Derbe – Convert from Derbe, traveled with Paul (Acts 20:4)
- Gaius of Corinth – Paul’s host in Corinth, one of the first baptized by Paul there (Romans 16:23, 1 Corinthians 1:14)
- Gaius in 3 John – Leader in Asia Minor church who showed hospitality
- Gaius was likely a common name for new Gentile converts to Christianity.
- Several of the Gaius figures were important early traveling companions of Paul.
- Gaius of Corinth hosted Paul and the whole church in Corinth for ministry.
- Gaius in 3 John is commended for faithfulness in showing hospitality to itinerant preachers.
Gaius of Macedonia
The first Gaius we meet in Scripture is Gaius of Macedonia, mentioned in Acts 19:29 and 20:4. When a riot broke out in Ephesus against the Way, the early term for Christianity, Gaius was among Paul’s traveling companions who were dragged into the theater. Archaeologists have uncovered this theater, which could hold up to 25,000 people. As the hostile mob shouted “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” for two hours, the city clerk finally quieted them and dismissed the gathering.
A few months later, when Paul wanted to return to Syria, Gaius of Macedonia was among seven men who accompanied him. The verse identifies Gaius specifically as a Macedonian, distinguishing him from other men named Gaius. Scholars speculate Gaius likely joined Paul’s ministry during his missionary travels in Macedonia on either his second or third journey.
Gaius of Derbe
The second Gaius mentioned in the New Testament is Gaius of Derbe in Acts 20:4. He was also among the group traveling with Paul from Greece to Syria. Derbe was one of the Galatian cities Paul visited on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:20). Since Gaius is identified as being “of Derbe,” he was probably converted and joined Paul’s ministry team during his initial work there.
Gaius of Corinth
Perhaps the most well-known Gaius in Scripture is the Gaius who lived in Corinth and hosted Paul during his ministry. This Gaius is mentioned in Romans 16:23 and 1 Corinthians 1:14.
In Romans 16, Paul delivers greetings from “Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church.” Gaius hosted Paul in his home during Paul’s extended ministry in Corinth on his third journey. His hospitality was a tremendous blessing that enabled Paul to devote himself to preaching the gospel.
1 Corinthians 1 indicates Gaius was one of the first converts baptized by Paul when he arrived in Corinth around AD 50. He was baptized along with Crispus, the synagogue leader, and the household of Stephanus. Gaius went from being among Paul’s first converts to hosting the entire Corinthian church in his home for their gatherings.
Gaius in 3 John
Finally, 3 John is addressed to a beloved brother named Gaius commended for his faithfulness and hospitality. Based on the context, this Gaius seems to have been a leader and elder in one of the churches under the apostle John’s care in Asia Minor towards the end of the first century AD.
John praises Gaius’ commitment to living faithfully according to the truth. He also commends him for showing hospitality to those brothers traveling through, even though Diotrephes, who sought preeminence in the church, was resisting receiving these itinerant preachers. John encourages Gaius to continue his generous support.
Lessons We Can Learn from Gaius
Though they were common men bearing a common name, several valuable lessons emerge from the lives of the biblical Gaius figures:
- Gaius of Macedonia – Shares Paul’s burden amidst opposition and persecution.
- Gaius of Derbe – Joins Paul’s travels to spread the gospel.
- Gaius of Corinth – Provides hospitality so Paul can focus on preaching.
- Gaius in 3 John – Faithfully cares for fellow believers in need.
In summary, Gaius is an example of the hospitality, service, courage, and faithfulness that should mark all believers in Jesus. The men named Gaius in the New Testament remind us to share in the burdens of apostolic ministry, whether through direct support like hospitality or simply standing together amidst opposition.
As Paul wrote, we are all members of one body and gifted differently to serve each other. Following the model of Gaius, we can use our homes, resources, and abilities to strengthen the church and partner in gospel mission.