But the gospel writers, Mark especially, place the centurions in key positions within their narrative as wonderful examples of faith. As it fell out one day, I was walking down the hallway of my college when I crossed paths with one of colleagues. or Caius (lord )-- A Macedonian who accompanied Paul in his travels, and whose life was in danger from the mob at Ephesus. 1. Rather than solely focusing on ourselves, we should be focusing on the well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. Of Derbe. [9] However, there is no reason to suppose that any of these men were the Gaius of 3 John. Bible - THE BOOK OF ROMANS. But the truth is, you may have had enough love, but it wasnt welcomed or appreciated. However, its often the case that those perceived as victims of the lack of love have become unloveable themselves. The story of Gaius is in the Bible, in the book of Acts. The centurion is cast as one who deserves redemption because of his having built them a synagogue. We should welcome strangers as Christ did when He healed the sick and fed the hungry in Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV). played the fiddle while Rome burned Students also viewed. We may possibly identify him with No. In 84 B.C., he married Cornelia, the daughter of an ally of Marius. In addition to sharing our time and talents (Matthew 25:35-40), this can include inviting friends over for dinner or letting someone stay with you if they need temporary housing (Luke 14:12-14). Jesus put it most clearly when he said, Love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22:39). But as Lightfoot remarks, in theApostolicChurch personal acquaintance was not necessary to create Christian sympathy (Biblical Essays, 1893, p. 305). Lastly, a Gaius is referred to in a final greeting portion of the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 16:23) as Pauls host and also host of the whole church, in whatever city Paul is writing from at the time (probably Corinth). The distinguishing factor between Christian leadership and secular leadership lies in its foundation the Bible. Gaius was a godly leader, demonstrating strong care for the growth and welfare of the Christian church as a whole. We must strive to love others with genuine care and compassion, striving to understand and empathize rather than judge and condemn. According to a variation in some texts of Acts 20:4, this latter Gaius may have I thank God that I baptized none of you exceptCrispus andGaius, Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. I have a theory of who Gaius actually is in the Bible. Invest in your soul today and ensure a greater future. Attempts have been made to identify3and4. Rather than describing Gaius as The loving Gaius, signaling his capacity to love others, John turns it around and presents him as The beloved Gaius, emphasizing the love others had for him. He was the means that God used to keep his promise of deliverance. Lets examine Johns portrayal of Gaius and Diotrephes, and identify the key distinctions between a righteous and unrighteous church leader. Equally important was that Caligula granted him the title of king which secured Herods hold on power. Sadly, they are not to blame. Acts 20:4 chapter context similar meaning copy save And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. But Jesus taught otherwise. With the death of his friend, Herod found it convenient to move outside the city of Rome, but he made peace with Claudius. All rights reserved., God and Cancer: How God is Fighting My Battle with Cancer, Loneliness in the Bible and 3 Ways to Overcome it with the Power of Scripture. Each had a unique role to play in advancing the Gospel, from Gaius of Macedonia, an early convert of Paul, to Gaius of Derbe, one of Pauls traveling companions. Yet, they approached in humility. Through the spirit of Christ, we can remain whole and undamaged, no matter what pain and suffering we experience in the world. Herod Agrippas son, Herod Agrippa II, was the king before whom the Apostle Paul pleaded his case At Caesarea in Acts 26. This promise looks perilous upon a shipwreck. Was the virtue behind loving-kindness in Gaius in the Bible or in those who loved him? A Christian, Gaius is mentioned in Macedonia as a traveling companion of Paul, along with Aristarchus (Acts 19:29). He was elected to consul a record seven times. The series follows the life of Christ in a way that brings the words of the Gospel to life. If so, he was, again according to Orthodox tradition, Bishop of Ephesus after Timothy. Had they approached him with their poweras if they were owed a position within Gods kingdomthey would have likely found themselves outside the kingdom. We can learn much even today from these Roman centurions. Was it due to something within him, or was it something in the people who loved Gaius that expressed unconditional kindness? Life. This betrays a lack of godly leadership, where leaders prioritize their own work, shutting out other Christian workers, and often taking financial gain for themselves at the expense of setting an example of generosity and living simply. Thats how we can make a lasting impact and make our faith a part of our everyday lives. In the corresponding list given in the "Contendings of Paul" (compare Budge, Contendings of the Twelve Apostles, II, 592), the name of this Gaius is given as "Gallius.". How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Why does Mark wait that long? I forget the versus, but I think it might be the general with the sick servant and says I am not worthy for you to enter my home, so only say the words and my servant shall be healed. I thought about that during mass today and I think it might be true. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. All we need to do is be willing to listen. It seemed that Gaius actually did die but Merlin arrived and, enraged by the death of his friend and mentor, slew Nimueh. Through these verses, we learn about the admirable qualities of a godly man named Gaius. After they were released from prison, Paul and Silas went back to their own homes. He was a leader in a church and he welcomed teachers into his house. Gaius the elder was a man who was loyal to Jesus and His teachings. Now is the time to step up as Gaius did, to boldly and faithfully lead our churches with humility, courage, and accountability. Then there was Herod Antipas, the one who was involved with the trial of Jesus, and who had executed John the Baptist. A Macedonian Christian; as Pauls companions in travel, he and Aristarchus were seized by the mob during the Ephesian riot (Acts 19:29). Let us focus on refining our own characters, remembering that how we love others is often a reflection of how we love ourselves. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. He has been identified by some with the Gaius mentioned in the Apostolical Constitutions (VII, 46), as having been appointed bishop of Pergamum by John. In 27 BCE Augustus restored the republic of Rome, though he himself retained all real power as the princeps, or first citizen, of Rome. Webby Brohemianrapsode Theory about Gaius the Roman Soldier I have a theory of who Gaius actually is in the Bible. WebThe name Gaius occurs elsewhere in the New Testament four times ( Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:14 ); as it was as common in the Roman Empire as John Tradition suggests he was even appointed bishop of Pergamum! Unit 02 :: ROMANS - PART I. However, the death of Tiberius shortly thereafter saw Herod released, and Caligula gave him a golden chain of the same weight as his chains in prison. Diotrephes is clearly a self-serving individual, using the churchs resources to amass power and cultivate a local kingdom. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! This page/post may contain affiliate links. Everything points to the identification of1and2. Luke mentions him in Acts 20:4 as Gaius of Derbe a whole city which was situated in Galatia in Asia Minor. In 1 Corinthians 1:14-17, Paul mentions Gaius generosity and kindness toward him as he traveled through Corinth on his way to Jerusalem. In Acts 20:4, a companion of St. Paul, who accompanied him fromGreeceto Asia Minor. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a . This act of care for the ministries and missions beyond his own setting is an example all Christians should follow. Look for people who have already experienced the prosperity of being in Christ, and learn from them. Do We See Any Gospel Connections in the Book of Numbers? 1915. Box 8102, Redlands, CA 92375-1302, email him at gnyssa@verizon.net or follow him on Twitter @Fatherelder. Tradition has made him the bishop of Thessalonica. For the story that Mark was telling he didnt want humans to confess Jesus as the Son of God apart from his passion (his suffering and death on the cross). But thankfully a centurion, named Julius, stepped in to defend Paul and his companions. What Precision Instruments Are Made Of Invar Steel? Gaius is the Greek spelling for the male Roman name Caius, a figure in the New Testament of the Bible. 16 terms. Johns letter to Gaius in the Bible, also known as the 3rd epistle, or final epistle, packs a powerful punch in verses 1-8. Used by permission. (2) Gaius of Macedonia, a "companion in travel" of Paul (Acts 19:29). Combing both Roman and Jewish sources, author David P. McAfee provides readers with a concise yet thorough biography of a man who many believe to be the apostle known as Saint James. Caligula loved to tease Chaerea, by addressing him only as Venus, the goddess of love, or Priapus, the god of the male sexual organ. Grow closer to God and a spiritually prosperous life by being with the ones who are already there! His mother was Agrippina the elder, the granddaughter of Caesar Augustus, in whose reign Christ was born and who ordered the famous census which caused Mary and Joseph to visit Bethlehem. You may be wondering what Gaius the Apostle did in the Bible. He rubbed shoulders with some of the most famous people in the New Testament. By carving out time for earnest prayer, studying and seeking understanding in the scriptures, and finding uplifting fellowship with other Christians, we can infuse our souls with faith, hope, and love, enabling us to thrive and prosper spiritually. Gaius Marius was one of the most important leaders of the Roman Republic. We learn from this centurion that there is neither Jew, nor Greek. But the word of God grew and multiplied. (Acts 12: 20-24). Christians often believe that simply consuming more Bible study alone will bring about great prosperity. Webga'-yus (Gaios; Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek, Gaios): (1) The Gaius to whom 3 Joh is addressed. He is spoken of as "the beloved" (3 John 1:1,2,5,11 ), "walking Beyond New Testament references (and the above mentioned Pilate Stone), Pilate is known through the work of the Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria (Embassy to Gaius 304305), the writings of the Jewish historian Josephus (Jewish Wars 2.169177), as well as many second-century texts. NIV Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Lessons from the Roman Centurion Who Sought Jesus' Help ( Matthew 8:5-13) Roman centurions certainly would have been at home in the ways of power and The book of Acts tells us, And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the kings chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the kings country. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. That he was host also to the whole church implies that the Corinthian church met in his spacious home. Well, Im here to tell you that no, in reality, all of those things were done by Peter instead. Learn how your comment data is processed. With the support of the army, Caligula was soon named emperor. He went with Paul from Corinth in his last journey to Jerusalem. Today, well look at Johns third epistle (read 1:1). Christians today can become disconnected from the source of ultimate truth, the Word of God. Rather than simply foisting the idea on the Romans, Caligula decided to have the divine acclamations begin in the provinces, where they could more gradually become accepted and quietly spread to Rome. You may enjoy this video on Gauis in the Bible. He transferred over to the 10th legion as a junior-grade centurion in 61 BC when it was first formed, after being handpicked by Caesar. He was elected to consul a record seven times . We are fortunate to have high-quality leaders, and lets keep it that way! In fact, Luke will highlight this point by pairing this centurion with a poor widow woman. The religious leaders of the day did not seem to approach God with the same level of humility or curiosity, and likely found themselves outside the kingdom. Gaius is a character in the Bible who was known for his generosity, kindness and hospitality. After his father died suddenly in 85 B.C., Caesar became head of his family at age 16 right in the middle of a civil war between his uncle Marius and the Roman ruler Lucius Cornelius Sulla. This outlook towards unity and collaboration is reflected in their relationship with other Christian ministries, emphasizing the commonality of their beliefs and mission to spread the gospel. Unfortunately, not much good rubbed off onto any of them. cjxo_0z. Gaius In The Bible is a well-written, thoroughly researched compilation of one of the most fascinating and sometimes controversial individuals in Scripture. Paul commands Christian leaders to exhort people in sound doctrine, urging Timothy to preach the Word, which provides spiritual sustenance. But what was a centurion and what can we learn from the Roman centurions in the Bible? Gaius love was truly remarkable; it was so renowned that everyone who visited him could attest to it (3 John 1:8). In this letter, John outlined two key principles that believers should strive to embody in their lives: distinguishing godly from ungodly church leaders and following a lifestyle that reflects a healthy relationship with God. Gaius of Macedonia was an integral figure in the life of Paul, the Apostle. Gaius, rejoiced, I am glad). Instead, pursue health and maturity through nourishing spiritual practices. I forget the versus, but I think it might be the general with the sick servant and says I am not worthy for you to enter my home, so only say the words and my servant shall be healed. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Gaius [G'ius]i am glad. (. The word, centurion, occurs 4 times in Matthew, 3 times in Luke, 13 times in Acts, and nowhere else in the New Testament; a synonym is found 3 times in Mark.. Far from encouraging unity, Diotrephes resorts to intimidating tactics, pushing aside anyone who dares to challenge his opinions and agendas (1:10b). They are only minor characters in the Bible, but when they do appear they make an immediate impact. They said that Paul was no longer a Christian because he had been thrown into prison! Gaius Marius was a strong and brave soldier and a skillful general, popular with his troops, but he showed little flair for politics and was not a good public speaker. This commitment is an essential part of being a true follower of Jesus and a key characteristic of those who are truly loving. This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?. WebAlong with Gaius, another Roman Macedonian, Aristarchus was seized by the mob at Ephesus and taken into the theater . They nicknamed him Caligula, which means Little Boots. In later years he despised that name but it stuck. He was a man who was loyal to Jesus and His teachings. He is spoken of as "the beloved" (3John 1:1,2,5,11), "walking in the truth" (3John 1:3,4), and doing "a faithful work" "toward them that are brethren and strangers withal" (3John 1:5,6). A common name. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). But only three years later, Herod celebrated some games in Caesarea in honor of the emperor, where he appeared in a brilliant silver robe. Caligula had hatched the idea of having himself proclaimed as divine, which would place his authority above the authority of lesser kings and certainly above the Roman Senate. Gaius in the Bible was a very common name in the time of the New Testament books, with several men bearing it. John commends Gaius for his actions, and he serves as an example of how we should live if we are followers of Christ. For as scripture tells us, And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. In the end, truth is the source of true freedom. Gaius is a character in the Bible who was known for his generosity, kindness and hospitality. May we have his faith. False teaching is poison to the spirit. The series is the highest crowdfunded media project of all time. As the Elder, John of Zebedee one of Jesus 12 disciples wrote the gospel of John, 1-3 John, and Revelation, we recognize his significant impact on Christian faith and tradition. Senior living: The rate of older Californians dying of malnutrition has accelerated, Human skeletal remains found by hiker in Running Springs, Twilight of the gas station as Rancho Cucamonga looks to alternative fuels. Who is tychicus in the book of Ephesians? New International Version (NIV), Lockyer's All the Men of the Bible Gaius. Most of these charges were leveled against him by irritated senators who had no reason to love the dictatorial rule of the caesars. Julius Caesar was a political and military genius who overthrew Romes decaying political order and replaced it with a dictatorship. Take out time to visit our Website for more information on similar topics. When they delayed, the assassins murdered Caligulas wife and smashed his daughters head in. Gaius may have been the same Gaius who is mentioned in Romans 16:23: Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. He welcomed teachers into his house and provided them with hospitality. In the case of Caligula this is not quite true. Gaius shined in his hospitality to traveling gospel preachers, his faithfulness and love for the Lord, and his commitment to truth. Many of the centurions are shown to be men of faith. Tychicus /tkks/ was an Asiatic Christian who, with Trophimus, accompanied the Apostle Paul on a part of his journey from Macedonia to Jerusalem. Scan this QR code to download the app now. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. Bibliography Information Orr, James, M.A., D.D. His mother was Agrippina Caligula commanded that a life-sized golden statue of himself, depicting him as Zeus, should be placed inside the Holy of Holies in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? A companion of Paul and native of Joining a home group, spending time with them, and asking questions about their faith journey will give you a better understanding of how to follow Jesus. John rejoices to hear that Gaius in the Bible is devoted to his fellow believers (1:6a), and is not only a dedicated participant in the work of the Lord but a faithful collaborator (1:8). Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. After all, the beloved apostle emphatically declared his joy at the news of Gaius in the Bible walking in the truth. They had decided to do this as a means of self-preservation, because arriving before Caesar without all the prisoners would have meant their own death. WebGAIUS. Gaius is a leader devoted to the Bible; he consistently teaches and follows the Word of God. Who delivered the letter to the Ephesians? One chapter later, Gaius who has a residence in Derbe is named as one of Pauls seven traveling companions who waited for him at Troas (Acts 20:4). Augustus, also called Augustus Caesar or (until 27 bce) Octavian, original name Gaius Octavius, adopted name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, (born September 23, 63 bcedied August 19, 14 ce, Nola, near Naples [Italy]), first Roman emperor, following the republic, which had been finally destroyed by the dictatorship of Julius For a first-century reader, particularly those with a Jewish background, the redemption of a Roman centurion would have been shocking. But God said to him, Fool! The healing happens not because he is worthy, due to his position, but the healing happens because of the goodness of Jesus. It is also interesting to note that the centurion approaches Jesus as one who is under Jesus authority than the other way around. Later, Aristarchus returned with Paul from Greece to Asia ( Acts 20:4 ). He was evidently a man of position and means (the greeting from him immediately precedes that from Erastus, the treasurer of the city), whether his hospitality took the form of keeping open house forChristiansandChristianvisitors like theApostleatCorinthor of allowing the Christians to meet for common worship and edification under his roof. To do so is to experience the life God intended for us truly. 4. The Epistle to the Colossians was sent by Paul and Timothy (see Colossians 1:1, 23; 4:18). 3. Solid preachers lead people to faith in Christ, while also guiding believers in their spiritual growth. His words were clear: the path to true joy is rooted in mindfully loving and caring for one another, as He did for us.
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