3 John 7 7For they have gone out for the sake of the name, having received nothing from the Gentiles.
John adds further strength to his closing thought in verse 6 about treating traveling brothers and strangers in a worthy manner that glorifies God. For at the beginning indicates another reason for the loving treatment Gaius should show. The delegates went out in faith. The name is a metonymy for Jesus, the name above all names (Acts 5:40–41; 9:16; 15:26; 21:13; Romans 1:15; Philippians 2:9). The assumption is that Gaius would know what John was talking about. The way this is stated gives authority and power to the name of Jesus. The journey of these brothers likely involved some degree of risk because of their association with the Jesus movement, but the risk was worth it because of the power of this name.
The travelers were relying on the generosity and help of fellow believers because they did not receive help from Gentiles, a word implying here “unbelievers.” Traveling street teachers (called “Peripatetics,” meaning people who walk around) were common and were known for begging, conniving, or coercing money from people. By trusting in fellow believers for support, the brothers also showed their honesty and integrity. Gaius could also show how he lived by the truth by supporting these travelers in a loving way.