The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
I. The sacred penman writes and sends the letter, referred to as "The elder," meaning by years and office, deserving honor. Some question whether this was John the apostle, but his style and spirit are evident. Gaius could not question who wrote it. John humbly refers to himself as "the elder," aligning with ordinary church pastors. II.
Commenting on 3 John 1:1-2
THE THIRD EPISTLE OF JOHN. ANALYSIS OF THE EPISTLE. THIS brief epistle, written to a Christian whose name was Gaius, of whom nothing more is known, (comp. ,) and in respect to which the time and place of writing it are equally unknown, embraces the following subjects: I. The address, with an expression of tender attachment, and an earnest wish for his welfare and happiness, . II.
Observe here, 1. The penman and writer of this epistle, St. John, who wrote the two former, as appears by agreement of them in words and phrases, which are peculiar to this apostle; he styles himself not an apostle, though he was so, but an elder: that word being a name of honour and dignity belonging to the chief of their tribes, agrees very well...