‘Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you do towards those who are brethren and strangers withal, who bore witness to your love before the church, whom you will do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God, because for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.'
Gaius clearly welcomed travelling preachers who were of the truth, even if they were strangers, and indeed all Christians who came to his church as visitors from a distance. He was a man of great hospitality because of his love for Christ. He welcomed them because they went forth in the Name of Christ Jesus. And he was to be commended for it as a faithful servant of Christ, for He did it in Christ's name. He gave not only a cup of cold water (Matthew 10:42), but also abundantly.
Early Christian preachers normally received material support from other believers (compare Acts 20:35; 1 Corinthians 9:14; 1 Thessalonians 3:7-9), or alternatively like Paul, they supported themselves. They did not solicit funds from unbelievers (compare Matthew 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:9). They relied on God, and on God's people. "Gentiles" was a general term for unbelievers, for Christians were no longer Gentiles. They were of the true faith. They were ‘sons of Abraham' and of the new Israel (Galatians 3:29; Galatians 6:16; Ephesians 2:12-22; Revelation 7:1-8).
‘You do a faithful work in whatever you do.' What a testimony Gaius had. He was totally reliable, absolutely dependable, thorough, and set to show God how faithful he was because he loved Him. And this was especially revealed in his attitude towards hospitality for those who preached the truth who came from a distance, at a time when most who were in his church group were set against such, and his actions would be disapproved of. He sought the favour of God and not the favour of men.
‘Towards brethren and strangers.' This may indicate two sets of people, showing that he did not discriminate, but may well signify the same people. They were true men of God, but they came from outside the area and were therefore looked on with suspicion by many. They were ‘foreigners'. Yet they should have been received with the love of Christ, and they were, by Gaius.
‘Who bore witness to your love before the church.' This probably means before their own church when they arrived back home. All spoke of how Gaius had welcomed them when others had treated them coldly. Although when given the opportunity they no doubt spoke well of Gaius before his own church. He was well spoken of everywhere.
‘Whom you will do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God, because for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.' But he was right in what he did. The men were worthy of Gaius' good treatment. They were true brethren, and should be treated with honour, because in Jesus' name they went forward, living by faith in the promises of God, and sought no charity. They sought only the honour of Jesus Christ, and were willing to suffer for His name's sake.