Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Romans 16:23a
“There is much to be said for the identification of Gaius with Titus Justus who extended hospitality of his house to Paul and his hearers when they were expelled from the synagogue next door (Acts 18:7). ‘Gaius Titius Justus’ would then be his full designation (peaenomen, nomen gentile, and cognomen) as a Roman citizen (a citizen of the Roman Colony of Corinth). Gaius was, in any case, one of Paul’s first converts in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14).”
F.F. Bruce in The Letter of Paul to the Romans: An Introduction and Commentary (TNTC; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985) 265.
Jenni and I have arrived at the CBMC Presidential’s Council Retreat in Hot Springs, Virginia (pictured above). This weekend we will highlight ten New Testament servants who generously participated in God’s work of whom we have limited information. We will share what is known to encourage people to follow their example.
Don’t miss all that is said about Gaius the host. At least four noteworthy traits surface. Firstly, he was a fearless worshipper of God. Luke reports that when Jews opposed and insulted Paul in the synagogue, Gaius welcomed him into his home next door. His allegiance to God was more important than his local reputation.
Secondly, like Paul, Gaius was a Roman citizen. People were either born with this status, they could buy it at a high price, or they could get it through extended military service. Citizenship allowed a person to vote and own property among other privileges. Notice, Gaius used his property to host Paul and the whole church.
Thirdly, he was one of Paul’s first converts in Corinth. While on mission, Paul most assuredly prayed for fruit that would last. He wanted people to stand firm in the faith despite the growing opposition. That’s what Gaius did. The faith of many (back then and now) tends to grow cold over time. Not Gaius!
Lastly, in today’s Scripture we see that Gaius hosted Paul and company while they drafted the letter to the church in Rome or “Romans” as we call it. This was not a small undertaking and likely took weeks or even months. What we see here is a generous giver who uses his place and finances to underwrite mission.
Will you be like Gaius? So your faith stays fervent and your impact is widely felt, put to work the resources you have to host and underwrite gospel efforts. Use what status or privilege you enjoy not for personal gain but for serving others. Do this and, like Gaius, you will find yourself right in the middle of God’s story.