Γάϊος (Gaios)
Gaios
Gaius
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Gaius appears five times in the New Testament, identifying distinct individuals who supported the early Christian mission. In Acts 19:29, a man named Gaius from Macedonia is mentioned during the riot in Ephesus, while Acts 20:4 lists another Gaius from Derbe as one of Paul’s traveling companions to Jerusalem.
Two other references connect him closely with the Apostle Paul. In Romans 16:23 and 1 Corinthians 1:14, Gaius is described as a resident of Corinth who hosted Paul and whose household was baptized by him. This suggests he was a person of some means and standing in that city.
The final mention identifies the recipient of the Third Epistle of John. Although the letter does not specify his location, early tradition often associates this Gaius with the Corinthian host, though the text itself leaves his origin open. The name is of Latin origin, meaning "lord" or "rejoicer," reflecting its common use among Roman citizens.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gaius appears five times in the New Testament, offering a quiet but steady picture of faithful hospitality. In Corinth, he opened his home to Paul and the local church, acting as a host for believers who gathered there. This simple act of sharing space and resources helped sustain the early Christian community when it was still finding its footing.
Later, Gaius traveled with Paul, standing alongside other companions during moments of tension and uncertainty. Whether in Ephesus or on the road to Jerusalem, his presence shows how ordinary believers contributed to the spread of the gospel through loyalty and service. We do not know every detail of his life, but we see a man who remained close to the work of Christ.
His story invites us to consider how we might support others in our own contexts. It is not about grand gestures, but about being available, reliable, and willing to share what we have with those who are walking in faith alongside us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gaius3×
- To Gaius1×
- Gaius,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Γάϊος2×
- Γάϊον,1×
- Γάϊον1×
- Γαΐῳ1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 16:23
Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother.
This verse highlights Gaius’s role as a host for both Paul and the entire local assembly, showing his central part in sustaining the Corinthian church.
-
Acts 19:29
The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel.
Here Gaius is seized during a riot in Ephesus, demonstrating his close partnership with Paul even amid danger and confusion.
-
III John 1:1
The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
The letter addresses Gaius as 'the beloved,' indicating a deep personal bond and spiritual affection between the author and this believer.