3 John 1:14

Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.

Study Bible

Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face.
John expresses a personal desire to visit and communicate directly, highlighting the importance of personal fellowship in the early church. This reflects the value placed on direct communication and community, as seen in Acts 2:42, where believers devoted themselves to fellowship. The phrase "face to face" underscores the intimacy and authenticity of personal interaction, contrasting with the limitations of written correspondence. This desire for personal connection is a recurring theme in John's letters, emphasizing the relational nature of the Christian faith.

Peace to you.
The greeting of peace, or "shalom," is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and reflects a holistic sense of well-being, encompassing spiritual, physical, and communal harmony. This blessing is consistent with Jesus' own words in John 14:27, where He offers His peace to His disciples. It signifies not just the absence of conflict but the presence of God's favor and blessing. In the context of the early church, this peace was crucial for maintaining unity amidst external persecution and internal challenges.

The friends here send you greetings.
This phrase indicates the strong network of relationships within the early Christian communities. The term "friends" suggests a bond deeper than mere acquaintances, reflecting the familial nature of the church. This communal aspect is echoed in Romans 16, where Paul sends numerous personal greetings, illustrating the interconnectedness of believers across different regions. The sending of greetings also serves to strengthen ties and encourage mutual support among the scattered churches.

Greet each of our friends there by name.
John's instruction to greet each friend by name highlights the personal care and attention given to individual members of the church. This practice of naming individuals is seen throughout the New Testament, such as in Paul's letters, where he often mentions specific people (e.g., Romans 16). It underscores the value of each person within the body of Christ and the importance of personal acknowledgment and encouragement. This personal touch reflects the shepherd-like care that leaders were encouraged to have for their congregations, as seen in 1 Peter 5:2-3.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Apostle John
The author of the letter, traditionally understood to be John the Apostle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples. He is writing to Gaius, a beloved friend and fellow believer.

2. Gaius
The recipient of the letter, a faithful Christian who is commended for his hospitality and support of traveling missionaries.

3. The Friends
Refers to fellow believers, both those with John and those with Gaius. This term emphasizes the close-knit community of early Christians.

4. Face-to-Face Meeting
John expresses his desire to visit Gaius personally, highlighting the importance of personal fellowship and communication in the early church.

5. Peace
A common greeting and blessing in the New Testament, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "shalom," which encompasses well-being, harmony, and completeness.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Personal Fellowship
Personal interactions are vital for building strong Christian relationships and community. In an age of digital communication, we should prioritize face-to-face fellowship when possible.

The Blessing of Peace
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to extend the peace of Christ to others. This peace is not just the absence of conflict but a holistic well-being that we should seek for ourselves and others.

The Value of Naming and Knowing
John’s instruction to greet friends by name underscores the importance of personal recognition and care within the Christian community. We should strive to know and be known by our fellow believers.

Hospitality as a Christian Virtue
Gaius is commended for his hospitality, reminding us of the importance of welcoming and supporting others, especially those who are serving in ministry.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the desire for face-to-face communication in 3 John 1:14 challenge our current reliance on digital communication? What steps can you take to foster more personal interactions in your Christian community?

2. In what ways can you extend the peace of Christ to those around you, both within and outside the church?

3. Reflect on the importance of greeting others by name as John instructs. How can this practice enhance your relationships within your church or community?

4. How does the example of Gaius' hospitality inspire you to support those in ministry or those in need? What practical steps can you take to show hospitality?

5. Consider the role of personal fellowship in your spiritual growth. How can you prioritize and cultivate deeper relationships with fellow believers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 John 1:12
Similar to 3 John 1:14, John expresses a desire to speak face to face, emphasizing the value of personal interaction over written communication.

John 20:19-21
Jesus greets His disciples with "Peace be with you," illustrating the continuity of this blessing from Christ to His followers.

Acts 2:42-47
The early church's devotion to fellowship and breaking bread together mirrors the relational emphasis seen in John's desire for face-to-face interaction.