Articles
A Positive Legacy
While not in everybody’s top five people remembered for their legacy, two men set an extraordinary example in the way that they personified godliness. Those two men are Gaius and Demetrius. The apostle who Jesus loved commends these men in one of the shortest “books” of the Bible – 3rd John. Let’s examine these men and evaluate their legacy.
Gaius
John sets off his writing with a saturated statement of benevolence. In verse 1, John identifies Gaius as beloved and the one whom I love in truth. Could you imagine one of the great apostles granting you this designation?! Especially the apostle who wrote so much of the New Testament! (i.e. Gospel of John, 1, 2, 3 John, and Revelation) In verse 2, John gives the prototypical Hebrew gesture of good will in hopes that Gaius prospered just as his soul prospered. In vv. 3-8, Gaius is lauded for his proven faith. He had become a pillar of Christ in the community. Through his faith, love, hospitality, and edification, the gospel was at rule in that area. This clearly sets him apart from the actions of Diotrephes (vv. 9f). In closing the letter, John encourages Gaius and the church to imitate what is good (v. 11). He further adds his testimony of another asset in the kingdom – Demetrius – and concludes with a loving remark about seeing Gaius soon and speaking face to face (vv. 13-15).
Demetrius
While not possessing a New Testament letter written to him, we must recognize that at least part of 3rd John was written as a letter of commendation for Demetrius. Verse 12 simply states this: Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself; and we add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. Demetrius did not need a verbose and grandiose testimony. He gets one sentence. But what an incredible sentence! He didn’t just receive a good testimony from a few people; he received a good testimony from everyone! More than that, the truth of God consented to his legacy! In addition to that, the word of the apostles ensured his proven worth!
The legacy of Demetrius and Gaius are both recorded for our benefit. Their examples are drastically different from the worthless man Diotrephes. May we learn to imitate such godly men and provide our own righteous legacies for others to be inspired by!
