Gaius [Gā'ius] - i am glad.

This common Roman name is shared by four men, and some writers find it difficult to differentiate between them.

1. A companion of Paul and native of Macedonia. He was seized in the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:29).

2. A man of Derbe in Lycaonia and likewise a companion of Paul. This Gaius of Derbe (Acts 20:4) is sometimes identified as Gaius at Corinth - see next Gaius.

3. The Corinthian converted and baptized by Paul, and who was the apostle's host while he was in Corinth (Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14).

4. The godly man to whom John sent his third epistle (3 John 1). It is evident that the Apostle of Love had a deep affection for this saint he called "the wellbeloved." It would seem as if John had at sometime led him to Christ (3 John 4). John desired the material, physical and spiritual prosperity of Gaius (3 John 2, 3). The apostle also commended him for his faithful care of ministering brethren - a responsibility some seem to neglect these days ( 3 John 5-8).