Gaius
Gaius says hello to you. He is my host and also serves as host to the whole church.
Romans 16:23
Gaius in Greek is the same as Caius in Latin, which was a very common name among the Romans. There was one Gaius, a Macedonian, who was with the apostle at Ephesus (Act 19:29). There was another Gaius of Derbe, who accompanied Paul into Asia (Act 20:4). If either of these is the Gaius mentioned here, the latter seems more probable but it is not certain. However, it seems very likely that it is the same Gaius, Paul baptized at Corinth (1 Cor 1:14). Some have thought him to be the same Gaius that John wrote about in his third epistle. It seems he was not only Paul’s host but hosted all the saints who came to Corinth. I imagine Gaius standing right there at times as Paul is working his way through Romans, listening to the dictated letter. At this point (Chapter 16) he can’t resist a “send them hello from me too.” I wonder how many others were listening too and said the same thing.
He was kind and hospitable, to all Christian strangers that came that way, it seems he lodged them at his house, and provided everything for them. Lightfoot thinks that there was a public hospital or receptacle for strangers at Corinth, in imitation of the Jews, who had a place adjoining to their synagogues to entertain travellers in; and that Gaius was the chief officer and overseer of this house, who, discharging his trust well, is deservedly commended. This text appears to me to have a personal touch to it. The word “host” means one who entertains another at his own house without reward. Gaius was clearly a rich man to be covering the cost of such hospitality from his own funds. He appears to have been a wealthy citizen of Corinth, who freely opened his house to entertain Christians, and for the purpose of religious worship. Maybe that church was a house church which met in his home.
We will stay at Gaius’ house while we go through 1 & 2 Corinthians. You will get to know him more.
Only when our plans are aligned with Jesus’ are we are happy with his arrival.
Anon
The value in living is in letting your life count for something. Pay the price – count the cost – make a stand!
Brian Houston