Gaius of Ephesus was a companion of Paul who was dragged into the Great Theater during the riot of the silversmiths (Acts 19:29). Acts calls him a man of Macedonia. Other men called Gaius appear in the New Testament, so people often mix them up.
Apostle Gaius is one of the most important people of Ephesus since his name was mentioned in Holy Bible.
Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. *
Romans 16:23
Gaius became a bishop of Ephesus. Also, he is one of the Seventy Apostles which are considered second important to the twelve original apostles of Jesus Christ.
Gaius of Ephesus was one of the companions of the Apostle Paul, remembered for a single dramatic moment: he was seized by an angry mob during the great riot of the silversmiths at Ephesus and dragged into the city’s enormous theatre.
The Book of Acts tells how Paul’s preaching threatened the lucrative trade in silver shrines of the goddess Artemis, and how the furious crowd, unable to lay hands on Paul himself, grabbed his travelling companions Gaius and Aristarchus and rushed them into the Great Theatre, where thousands roared “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” for some two hours.
We know little else for certain about this Gaius — indeed, several men named Gaius appear in the New Testament, and it is not always easy to tell them apart. But standing on the stage of the Great Theatre at Ephesus, where he was hauled before that seething crowd, his brief moment in the story comes vividly, almost frighteningly, to life.
What Happened to Gaius After the Riot in Ephesus?
Acts does not say what happened to Gaius after riot. It tells that Paul wanted to go into the theater, but the disciples and some friendly Asiarchs, officials of the province, did not let him (Acts 19:30-31). Then the town clerk calmed the crowd and sent everybody home (Acts 19:35-41). You can read the whole story in my post on the Great Theater of Ephesus and the riot of Acts 19.
Aristarchus is named again later, when he travels with Paul to Asia and then sails with him toward Rome (Acts 20:4; 27:2). I wrote about that voyage in my post The Seven Stops on Paul’s Voyage to Rome. Gaius is not named again in the story of Ephesus.
How Many Men Named Gaius Are in the New Testament?
Four different Gaiuses are usually counted in the New Testament, and people often mix them up. Gaius was a very common Roman first name, so it is no wonder. Let’s have a look at them one by one.
- Gaius of Macedonia, seized in the theater at Ephesus (Acts 19:29).
- Gaius of Derbe, a city in today’s Turkey, who traveled with Paul toward Asia (Acts 20:4).
- Gaius, the host of Paul, one of the few people Paul baptized himself in Corinth (Romans 16:23 and 1 Corinthians 1:14). Paul probably wrote Romans in Corinth, so many place this Gaius there.
- Gaius “the beloved” of the third letter of John, praised for welcoming traveling brothers (3 John 1:1-8).
Some readers think two of these men are one person, others keep all four apart. The Bible does not settle it, so please keep it in mind when you read about Gaius in a book or on a church sign. The other Bible events of the city are in my post What Happened in Ephesus in the Bible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gaius in Acts 19:29?
Gaius in Acts 19:29 is a traveling companion of Paul from Macedonia. The crowd of the silversmiths seized him and Aristarchus and rushed them into the Great Theater of Ephesus.
Was Gaius of Ephesus a bishop?
Church tradition says yes. It counts Gaius among the Seventy followers of Jesus and remembers him as a bishop of Ephesus. The New Testament itself says nothing about his later years.
Who is Gaius in 3 John?
Gaius in 3 John is the “beloved” man to whom the elder writes. John praises him for welcoming traveling brothers and walking in the truth (3 John 1:1-8). The letter does not say where he lived, so readers still ask which Gaius he is.
The Great Theatre where Gaius faced the mob is one of the most powerful places I show my guests. To experience it with a local guide, reach me through toursaroundturkey.com.
