Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 3 John 1:13
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
13. I had many things to write ] With R. V., following ABC and all ancient Versions, we must add to thee. ‘I had’ is imperfect: at the time of my writing there were many things which I had to communicate to thee.
but I will not ] ‘Will’ is not the sign of the future tense auxiliary to ‘write,’ but the present of the verb ‘to will:’ but I will not to write to thee; I do not care to write. See on Joh 6:67; Joh 7:17; Joh 8:44.
with ink and pen ] In the Second Epistle we had ‘with paper and ink.’ The word for ‘pen’ ( ) occurs in this sense nowhere else in N. T. It signifies the reed, calamus, commonly used for the purpose. In LXX. of Psa 44:2, ‘My tongue is the pen of a ready writer’, the same word is used; so also in Mat 11:7 and Rev 11:1, but in the sense of reed, not of pen.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
13, 14. Conclusion
13, 14. The marked similarity to the Conclusion of the Second Epistle is strong evidence that the two letters were written about the same time. See notes on 2Jn 1:12-13.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
I had many things to write … – This Epistle closes, as the second does, with a statement that he had many things to say, but that he preferred waiting until he should see him rather than put them on paper. Perhaps there were some things which he wished to say which he would not like to have exposed to the possibility of being seen by the public eye.
But I will not with ink and pen … – Notes at 2Jo 1:12.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
3Jn 1:13-14
I trust I shall shortly see thee.
The sweetness of Christian fellowship
1. Its foundation–peace. This is the bond of the Christian community. It cannot exist without concord. Divisions drive away the Spirit of God, and open the door for envy and malice.
2. Its sacredness–not with ink and pen. It is a hidden desire which can only be expressed in a manner suitable to its own nature. It may take many forms to show itself, but it cannot be fully realised without personal contact.
3. Its well-wishers–the friends greet thee. A sincere desire for the welfare of each other is a strong feature in Christian morals.
4. Its individual regard–greet the brethren by name. Each person received attention irrespective of wealth or position. (The Weekly Pulpit.)
Greet the friends by name.
The friends
The word friend does not often occur in the New Testament, being swallowed up in the more endearing one of brother. (J. Wesley.)
Greet the friends by name
The good pastor imitates that Good Shepherd who calleth His sheep by name. (C. Wordsworth.)
True friends scarce
The friendship of most men in these days is like some plants in the water, which have broad leaves on the surface of the water, but scarce any root at all; like drums and trumpets and ensigns in a battle, which make a noise and a show, but act nothing; mere friendships in pretence and compliment, that can bow handsomely, and promise emphatically, and speak plausibly, and forget all. (J. Spencer.).
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 13. I had many things to write] That is, I have many things that I might write; but having the hope of seeing thee shortly, I will not commit them to paper. Ink and pen are here mentioned; paper and ink in the preceding epistle.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Having much more to say, as 2Jo 1:12, he resolved on a more immediate, grateful, and effectual way of imparting and even impressing his sense, as the term, writing, is used in a greater latitude, Pro 3:3, and elsewhere.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Iwill not rather as Greek,I wishnot … to write more.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
I have many things to write,…. With regard to churches, and particular persons, and concerning hospitality to the poor brethren:
but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee; suggesting he should take another method of communicating his mind to him, which he next mentions.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
I had (). Imperfect active of , when I began to write (, ingressive aorist active infinitive of ).
I am unwilling to write ( ). “I do not wish to go on writing them.
With ink and pen ( ), “by means of () black (ink) and reed (used as pen).” See 2Jo 1:12 for and Mt 11:7 for , used for papyrus and parchment, as (a sharp stilus) for wax tablets.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
I had [] . The imperfect tense : I was having, when I began to write.
Pen [] . Lit., reed. See Mt 11:7. The staff or scepter placed in mockery in Jesus ‘ hand, Mt 27:29. A measuring – reed, Revelation 11 1
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “I had many things to write” – I had (Greek eichon) means I held in mind when I began to write many things.
2) “But I will not” (Greek alla) strong adversative “but I am not willing or do not wish to go on writing,” as if what had been written he felt to be adequate for the occasion.
3) “With ink and pen write unto thee” (Greek dia melanos) “by means of or through (black) ink and (Greek Kalamou) a reed stylus, used for pen -write to you further, Gaius.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
4.
Final salutation . . . 3Jn. 1:13-14
(3Jn. 1:13) I had much to write you, but I do not wish to write through paper and ink; (3Jn. 1:14) I hope, rather, to see you and we shall speak mouth to mouth. (15) Peace to you. The friends are greeting you. Greet the friends by name.
The final salutation is much like that of II John. In controversy, John prefers to speak face to face rather than attempt to settle a personal matter through correspondence.
Johns choice of the common greeting peace to you may be more than coincidental in light of the controversial atmosphere to which he wrote. In the midst of doctrinal as well as personal controversy, the Christian will be victorious who has within himself the peace that passeth all understanding.
F.
Questions for Review
1.
What significance do you attach to Johns repeated referral to Gaius as beloved?
2.
What position did Gaius probably hold in his home congregation?
3.
What is the problem about which John writes Gaius?
4.
Contrast the personality of Gaius and that of Diotrephes.
5.
What treatment does John ask of Gaius for the visiting ministers?
6.
What is the significance of the term set forward on their journey?
7.
Why is the policy of not taking money from those to whom the Gospel is preached on a mission field a wise policy?
8.
What is the reward promised by John to those who support the preachers of the Gospel?
9.
What wrong had Diotrephes done?
10.
What damage is possible to the church when an elder accuses a minister with wicked words?
11.
How do genuine Christians often imitate evil men such as Diotrephes?
12.
What two possible identifications have been suggested for Demetrius?
13.
What three witnesses does John set forth as to the genuineness of Demetrius?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(3) (13) I had many things to write.Rather, There were many things which I wished to write.
But I will not.Comp. 2Jn. 1:12.
(14) Peace be to thee.The best wish which the Apostle can form, instead of the usual Greek ending, Be strong, or Farewell! It was our Lords resurrection greeting; the internal peace of a good conscience, the external peace of universal friendship, the heavenly peace of future glory begun even in this life. (Comp. Joh. 20:19; Joh. 20:26; Rom. 5:33; Gal. 6:16; Eph. 6:23; 2Th. 3:16; 1Pe. 5:14.)
Our friends salute thee.Rather, The friends. By this appellation, uncommon in the New Testament, St. John recalls our Lords words in Joh. 15:13-15.
Greet the friends by name.Each friend was to receive a personal message from the Apostle, and Caius would know who they were as well as if St. John wrote them down. In a short private Letter it would be unsuitable to have a long list of special messages as in a Pauline Epistle, especially as the Apostle hoped shortly to see them. John perhaps thinks of his Masters ideal in Joh. 10:3.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
13. Many things to write Compare note on 2Jn 1:12.
Pen The calamus or reed.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write them to you with ink and pen, but I hope shortly to see you, and we shall speak face to face.’
We saw the same idea in 2Jn 1:12. John preferred face to face contact. He probably felt that long letters were too impersonal. Possibly both letters were written around the same time and went with Demetrius to the same area.
3Jn 1:13, ‘Peace be to you. The friends salute you. Salute the friends by name.’
He finishes with a greeting of peace, a common ancient greeting among the Jews. ‘The friends’ probably signifies ‘the brethren’ at John’s end with a hint that these are friendly towards Gaius even if Diotrephes is not, and the other ‘friends’ at Gaius’ end are presumably those who still retain friendly relations with John. John clearly felt that he could not pass on salutations to those who were opposing him, as it might have caused unnecessary nastiness. There is here an indication of his tact. To have used ‘brethren’ of his own church would have emphasised the difference when he used ‘friends’ of those at Gaius’ end, and he did not want to do that, so he called his brethren ‘friends’ as well. He may have had in mind Joh 15:13-15, ‘you are my friends if you do what I command you.’ Diotrephes was definitely not ‘friendly’.
Final Greeting 3Jn 1:13-14 serves as a final greeting.
3Jn 1:13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
3Jn 1:14 3Jn 1:14 Mat 10:13, “And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.”
This practice of speaking blessings upon God’s children may have its roots in the Priestly blessing of Num 6:22-27, where God instructed Moses to have the priests speak a blessing upon the children of Israel. We see in Rth 2:4 that this blessing became a part of the Jewish culture when greeting people. Boaz blessed his workers in the field and his reapers replied with a blessing.
Rth 2:4, “And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.”
We also see this practiced by the king in 2Sa 15:20 where David says, “mercy and truth be with thee”.
2Sa 15:20, “Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.”
Thus, this word of blessing was a part of the Hebrew and Jewish culture. This provides us the background as to why John was speaking a blessing upon the household of the elect lady and her children, especially that God would grant them more of His grace and abiding peace that they would have otherwise not known. In faith, we too, can receive this same blessing into our lives. John actually pronounces and invokes a blessing of divine grace and peace upon his readers with these words, “Peace be with thee.” I do not believe this blessing is unconditional, but rather conditional. In other words, it is based upon the response of his hearers. The more they obey these divine truths laid forth in this epistle, the more God’s grace and peace is multiplied in their lives. We recall how the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, with six tribes standing upon Mount Gerizim to bless the people and six tribes upon Mount Ebal to curse the disobedient (Deu 27:11-26). Thus, the blessings and curses of Deu 28:1-68 were placed upon the land. All who obeyed the Law received these blessings, and all who disobeyed received this list of curses. In the same way John invokes a blessing into the body of Christ for all who will hearken unto the divine truths of this epistle.
We see this obligation of the recipients in translation of Beck, “As you know God and our Lord Jesus, may you enjoy more and more of His love and peace. ” (2Pe 1:2)
3Jn 1:13-14 . The same thoughts as in 2Jn 1:12 ; even the expression is little different; this agreement is most naturally explained by the contemporaneousness of the two Epistles.
] “ I would have many things to write to thee, but ; ” as in Act 25:22 ; comp. Winer, p. 253; VII. p. 265; A. Buttmann, p. 187 (de Wette); an is not omitted. Dsterdieck and Ebrard translate: “I had much to write,” unsuitably, because the apostle is not speaking of the past, but of the present.
Instead of paper (Second John), it is the , “ the writing-reed ,” that is mentioned as the writing material along with the ink.
On . . ., see , 3Jn 1:10 .
3 John 1:15. ] The blessing at the end of the First Epistle of Peter runs similarly; comp. besides, Gal 6:16 ; Eph 6:23 ; 2Th 3:16 (also Rom 15:33 ; 2Co 13:11 ; 1Th 5:23 ; Heb 13:20 ).
. . .] It is in harmony with the character of the Epistle, as a private communication, that John does not send greetings from the whole Church, but from the special friends of Caius, and so also commissions him with greetings only to his (the apostle’s) . The latter was the more natural, as indeed a part of the Church was at enmity with John.
On , comp. Joh 10:3 ; it belongs to , and is = (see Meyer on this passage); the personal relationship is thereby emphasized, as Caius is to greet every one of the friends specially (by name).
THE CONCLUSION
3Jn 1:13-14
13I had many things to write,29 but I will30 not with ink and pen write31 unto thee:32 14But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face.33 Peace be to thee. Our friends34 salute thee. Greet the friends35 by name.36
EXEGETICAL AND CRITICAL
Close of the Epistle. 3Jn 1:13-14.
3Jn 1:13. I should have much to write to thee., emphatic, placed first. The Imperfect without , is idiomatic Greek and must be rendered in the Subjunctive in German. See Winer p. 283 sqq.; [The objection to the rendering of E. V. I had many things to write is that the Apostle does not advert to the past but to the present. So Huther 2d ed. I should have much to write brings out this shade of thought in English.M.].
But I will not write unto thee with ink and pen.Cf. 2Jn 1:12.
3Jn 1:14. But I hope, soon to see thee.The contrast to writing, for which the Apostle has no further inclination (Dsterdieck), is oral intercourse which he hopes soon to realize.
And we shall speak mouth to mouth.The Future denotes the assurance of hope. The object is 3Jn 1:13, and the particulars indicated in the Epistle.
Greetings 3Jn 1:14.
3Jn 1:14. Peace be to thee.The greeting of the Apostle to the beloved Gaius. As at the beginning of the Epistle the simple is not sufficient for the fulness of the Christian greeting, so at the close the common (Act 23:30; Act 15:29) is displaced by richer and deeper forms. There the wish of peace is most appropriate (Gal 6:16; Eph 6:23; 1Pe 5:14; 2Th 3:16; Rom 15:33 and al.), because peace may be regarded as the sum-total of the Divine gifts of grace in Christ (Luk 2:4; Joh 14:27) as N. de Lyra correctly explains it: Pax interna conscienti, pax fraterna amiciti, pax superna glori (Dsterdieck). [Alford: Remember our Lords legacy, Joh 14:27; and His greeting after the resurrection, , Joh 20:19; Joh 20:26.].Joy moreover is health of the soul.
The friends salute thee.Bengel: Rara in N. T. appellatio, absorpta majori fraternitatis. Errant philosophi, qui putant amicitiam non instrui a fide. Joh 15:15. The expression suits a purely private Epistle, written on purely personal relations (Lcke). Bede: Amicis gratiam pacis mandat et salutis et per hc Diotrephen ceterosque veritatis inimicos a salute et pace vestra monstrat extraneos. Among the , which are generally saluted (Php 4:21; 1Co 16:20; Eph 6:23), John, according to 2Jn 1:9-11, probably included Diotrephes, because he acted only as an ambitiosus, but does not seem to have been wrong and erred in the doctrine of Christs incarnation; but he and his party were not to the Apostle, like Gaius and Demetrius. Cf. Joh 11:11; Act 27:3.
Greet the friends by name. = (Joh 10:3); Bengel: Non secus ac si nomina eorum prscripta essent. The greetings, and especially those by name, have so deep an import and so great a value, that Paul fills a whole chapter of his Epistle to the Romans (Rom 16:1-24) with them, and often adds a series.
HOMILETICAL AND PRACTICAL
Starke:It is not advisable to confide every thing to the pen; many things may be better and more effectively stated orally than in writing.It is not a small benefit, if the children of God may visit each other and delight in friendly conversation.We are in the company of the holy men of God whenever we hear or read their writings.
Heubner:We see, how even letters of friendship are hallowed by faith. Everything should have the impress of our evangelical frame of mind. A mind wholly penetrated by the spirit of Christianity will not deny itself even in unimportant letters of friendship. Examples may be seen in Sailers Christian letters of every century, in the letters of Luther, Tersteegen and John Newton.The children of peace receive peace (Luk 10:5-6).
Besser:John greets the friends by name; he carries them all in his heart, and every one in particular. This is presbyter-fidelity.
[Wordsworth:The good pastor imitates that Good Shepherd, who calleth His sheep by name. Joh 10:3.M.].
Footnotes:
[29]3Jn 1:13. A. B. C. Cod. Sin. read: .
[30]3Jn 1:13. B. C. Cod. Sin.: . The reading in A. originated from 2Jn 1:12, and like formed alter it.
[31]3Jn 1:13. B. C. Cod. Sin.: ; A: .
[32]3Jn 1:13. [German: I should have much to write unto thee, but I will not write unto thee with ink and pen.M.]
[33]3Jn 1:14. [German: But I hope soon to see thee, and we shall speak mouth to mouth.M.]
[34]3Jn 1:14. B. C. G. K. Cod. Sin. read: ; A. . [German: The friends salute thee.M.]
[35]3Jn 1:14. Several unimportant Codd. read instead of .
[36]3Jn 1:14. G. inserts .A. B. Cod. Sin. have the subscription: . The usual additions occur here and there, but are not sufficiently authenticated.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
Ver. 13. I will not with ink ] In vain is the word written in books, unless it be also written in our hearts, Jer 31:33 .
With paper ] Which was of old made of a certain plant of Nile called Papyrus, but now it is made of rags, miro ingenio, et utili rebus mortalium, to the great benefit of mankind. (Aretius.)
13 15 .] Close of the Epistle . I had (not, as Huther, for : it is a pure imperfect, describing that which has not come to pass, but might have done so under certain conditions: cf. Act 25:22 ; Rom 9:3 , also alleged by Dsterd. is not quite a case in point. He gives the meaning here well: “I had indeed much to write: that I have not written it is owing to this, that I wish not, &c.”) many things to write to thee, howbeit I will not to write (present, not only “to write them,” which would be aorist, but to write at all, to write any more) by means of ink and reed (see on 2Jn 1:12 ): but (on the other hand) I hope immediately to see thee, and (then) we shall speak mouth to mouth (see 2Jn 1:12 ). Peace be to thee (beautifully paraphrased by Lyra, “interna conscienti, pax fraterna amiciti, pax superna glori.” Remember our Lord’s legacy, Joh 14:27 , and His greeting after the Resurrection, , Joh 20:19 ; Joh 20:26 ). The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name (“non secus ac si nomina eorum prscripta essent.” Bengel). The reason why St. John mentions (see Joh 11:11 ; Joh 15:15 ; Act 27:3 ), and not (1Co 16:20 ; Phi 4:21 ; Eph 6:23 ), is probably to be found in the personal character of the Epistle, not addressed as from an Apostle to a church, but as from a friend to his friend, in which mutual friends on both sides would be the senders and receivers of salutation.
3Jn 1:13-14 . The Conclusion. “I had many things to write to thee, but I am not minded to be writing to thee by pen and ink. However, I hope presently to see thee, and we shall talk face to face. Peace to thee! The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.”
Cf. 2Jn 1:12-13 . The similarity of the conclusions suggests that the two epistles were written at the same time. The Apostle meditated a visitational circuit (see Introd. p. 155) in the course of which he would see both Kyria and Gaius.
3Jn 1:13 . , aor. of the complete composition in the Apostle’s mind; , pres. of the process of putting it on paper. (in full ), a reed-pen, as distinguished from , a sharp-pointed stilus for writing on waxed tablets. Plutarch ( Dem. , 29, 3) says that Demosthenes, when meditating and writing, was accustomed to bite his .
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 3Jn 1:13-14
13I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; 14but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.
3Jn 1:13 This is very similar to 2Jn 1:12.
will. App-102.
with = by means of. App-104. 3Jn 1:1.
ink. See 2Co 3:3.
pen. Greek. kalamos. Elsewhere translated “reed”.
13-15.] Close of the Epistle. I had (not, as Huther, for : it is a pure imperfect, describing that which has not come to pass, but might have done so under certain conditions: cf. Act 25:22; Rom 9:3, also alleged by Dsterd. is not quite a case in point. He gives the meaning here well: I had indeed much to write: that I have not written it is owing to this, that I wish not, &c.) many things to write to thee, howbeit I will not to write (present, not only to write them, which would be aorist, but to write at all, to write any more) by means of ink and reed (see on 2Jn 1:12): but (on the other hand) I hope immediately to see thee, and (then) we shall speak mouth to mouth (see 2Jn 1:12). Peace be to thee (beautifully paraphrased by Lyra, interna conscienti, pax fraterna amiciti, pax superna glori. Remember our Lords legacy, Joh 14:27, and His greeting after the Resurrection, , Joh 20:19; Joh 20:26). The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name (non secus ac si nomina eorum prscripta essent. Bengel). The reason why St. John mentions (see Joh 11:11; Joh 15:15; Act 27:3), and not (1Co 16:20; Php 4:21; Eph 6:23), is probably to be found in the personal character of the Epistle, not addressed as from an Apostle to a church, but as from a friend to his friend, in which mutual friends on both sides would be the senders and receivers of salutation.
3Jn 1:13-14
CONCLUSION
(3Jn 1:13-14)
13 I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwill-ing to write them to thee with ink and pen:–There were many matters which John desired to communicate to his beloved brother and friend Gaius, but he was not disposed to do so with ink and pen. (Cf. 2Jn 1:12.) The “pen” (kalamos), was a reed used for the purpose of a stylus; the “ink” (maw), a black sub-stance prepared from soot and oil. Ink is mentioned three times in the New Testament; here, in 2Jn 1:12 and 2Co 3:3.
14 But I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face.–The reason why John did not desire to communicate the matters he had in mind. He hoped soon to see Gaius, and to be privileged to talk with him face to face, a much more effective and satisfactory method than that of the laborous and tedious medium of writing with pen and ink.
Peace be unto thee.–A usual greeting (eirene soi). Cf. the Lord’s greeting following the resurrection. (Joh 20:19; Joh 20:26.) This greeting was especially appropriate, because peace is the sum of the divine blessings through Christ. The salutation is one which all genuine disciples extend to others. Those who are good and happy wish joy and peace to be the portion of all those about them. Peace, genuine peace, lasting peace comes only through willing service and complete obedience to the will of Christ. In disobedience there is rebellion; and where rebellion obtains between God and man, the result is a state of war and not peace. (Cf. Rom 5:1.)
The friends salute thee.–The apostle is joined, in the salu-tation, by friends of Gaius who were associated with him, per-haps in the congregation and city of Ephesus. Who these friends were does not appear; we may, however, be certain that they were faithful members of the body of Christ themselves.
Salute the friends by name.–In saluting “by name” the name of each was to be specifically mentioned. It is indeed a heart-warming experience to have people remember us, and to call us by name. The statement is reminiscent of the only other in-stance where the phrase “by name” occurs in the New Testament “To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name.” (Joh 10:3.) The apostle thus wanted to follow the example of his Master by his own recognition of each lamb of Christ by name! And so this brief and tender missive ends; an exceedingly short letter, compared with other New Testament Epistles, but one of great importance to us to day, in its revelation of the inner feelings of the beloved apostle, and the glimpse which it affords us of the personal life of John and those whom he knew and loved so well. From it we learn that the apostles were not always involved in written or oral discussions of profound theological themes; they did not spend all of their time in intricate and involved dissertations or subtile and learned essays such as Romans and Hebrews they had their tender and personal sides, and the world is greatly blessed by this short letter to Gaius by the apostle whom Jesus loved.
Commentary on 3Jn 1:13-14 by E.M. Zerr
3Jn 1:13. This has the same meaning as 2Jn 1:12.
3Jn 1:14. The usual friendly salutation from friends, just another affectionate title from the mind of the loving John. Greet the friends by name. This denotes a personal recognition of the faithful messengers who are coming to see the congregation.
Commentary on 3Jn 1:13-14 by N.T. Caton
3Jn 1:13-I had many things to write.
John thought of other things concerning the church-its members, Diotrephes, Demetrius, and all-but forebore writing with pen and ink, lest it fall into improper hands.
3Jn 1:14-But I trust I shall shortly see thee.
Here he expresses the hope that some time in the near future he can meet Gaius, when he can, face to face, talk over the things about which he forbears to write, and since having the hope of so meeting, it would be needless to write.
3Jn 1:14-Peace be to thee.
John’s loving benediction.
3Jn 1:14-Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
The friends here salute thee. Everywhere else the New Testament writers use the words brethren or saints. A friend is close in intimacy, a brother is nearer, while the relationship indicated by the word “saint” carries with it a holy association. On this closing verse, Macknight says: “This appellation is singular, being nowhere else found in the Scripture, but it applieth excellently to the primitive Christians, as it denoteth in the strongest manner the love which in the first age subsisted among the true disciples of Christ. Let it not then be pretended that the gospel does not recommend private friendship.” Here we part with the beloved John. We can only praise the Lord for the lessons of love he has left upon record, and so live here on earth that the study of the blessed theme of love may be resumed in company with the Master and the beloved disciple in heaven’s blest abode.
Commentary on 3Jn 1:13-14 by Burton Coffman
3Jn 1:13 –I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen:
“The conclusion here is the same as that of the Second Epistle; and possibly the journey contemplated in both is the same.”[40] The usually admitted opinion that all of these letters were written “in quick succession” would seem to bear this out.
Wilder also point out that, “Since this is a personal note, the greetings are more intimate than in 2Jn 1:13.”[41] See 3Jn 1:14.
Unwilling to write with ink and pen … This is a very curious deviation from John’s words in 2Jn 1:12, “I would not write them with paper and ink.” “Ink and pen … paper and ink …” It is impossible to believe that any forger, or pseudonymous writer, would have dared to make a change like this.
[40] Ibid.
[41] Amos N. Wilder, op. cit., p. 313.
3Jn 1:14 –but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
On the tenderness of the greetings here, see under 3Jn 1:13, above.
I hope shortly to see thee … It is usually supposed that the contemplated visit here is the same as that mentioned in 2John.
Peace be unto thee …
This was the best wish which the apostle could form: it was our Lord’s resurrection greeting, the internal peace of a good conscience, the external peace of universal fellowship, the heavenly peace of future glory, begun even in this life.[42]
The friends salute thee … salute the friends by name … “By name” as used here is found nowhere else in the New Testament, except in Joh 10:5; and many have found in this “an echo of the Good Shepherd’s calling his own sheep by name, an example for under-shepherds,”[43] and a good closing note for this letter. It is the teaching of the text here that, “The salutation was to be given to each individual separately.”[44]
The tremendous importance of this letter is seen in the fact that it deals with the prime sin of the ages, the seeking and the grasping on the part of evil men for the control levers of God’s church on earth. The spirit of Diotrephes still rides high and mighty in the ecclesiastical counsels of the earth, denying and contradicting the holy teachings of Christ and his apostles; but the loving apostle unmasked it for what it is in the glowing lines of this precious fragment of the word of the Lord.
[42] W. M. Sinclair, op. cit., p. 502.
[43] R. W. Orr, op. cit., p. 624.
[44] Charles C. Ryrie, Wycliffe Bible Commentary, New Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1971), p. 1038.
ABIDING IN THE TEACHING
II AND III JOHN
Cecil B. Douthitt
1. To whom is John’s second letter addressed? Ans. 2Jn 1:1.
2. How long will the truth of the gospel be with us? Ans. 2Jn 1:2.
3. Who is the source of all grace, mercy and peace? Ans, 2Jn 1:3.
4. What had John learned which caused him to rejoice? Ans. 2Jn 1:4.
5. What commandment does he write? Ans. 2Jn 1:5.
6. How is love demonstrated? Ans. 2Jn 1:6.
7. Who is the “deceiver and antichrist”? Ans. 2Jn 1:7.
8. Why should all guard against being led astray by these deceivers? Ans. 2Jn 1:8.
9. What is said about those who do not abide in the teaching of Christ? Ans. 2Jn 1:9.
10. How may one become a partaker of the evil works of false teachers? Ans. 2Jn 1:10-11.
11. Why did John not write many things that were on his mind? Ans. 2Jn 1:12-13.
12. John the elder addressed this third letter to whom? Ans. 3Jn 1:1.
13. Tell what you know of Gaius. Ans. Act 19:29; Act 20:4; Rom 16:23; 1Co 1:14.
14. John prayed that Gaius may be blessed with what three things? Ans. 3Jn 1:2.
15. From what did John derive the greatest joy? Ans. 3Jn 1:3-4.
16. What faithful work had Gaius done? Ans. 3Jn 1:5-6; Rom 16:23.
17. Why should saints on evangelistic missions be welcomed and assisted by all? Ans. 3Jn 1:7-8.
18. Of what was Diotrephes guilty? Ans. 3Jn 1:9.
19. Describe the wicked works of this ambitious and rebellious man. Ans. 3Jn 1:10.
20. What should be imitated by the children of God? Ans. 3Jn 1:11.
21. What is said of Demetrius? Ans. 3Jn 1:12.
22. Why was John unwilling to write more at this time? Ans. 3Jn 1:13-14.
23. By what unusual title does John call the brethren in the last lines of this letter? Ans. 3Jn 1:14.
Questions on III John
by E.M. Zerr
1. To whom is this epistle addressed?
2. Is it the only individually addressed epistle?
3. What is stated with reference to Gaius?
4. State the good will he expresses for him.
5. What was already prospering?
6. On what material can the soul prosper?
7. For what did he rejoice greatly?
8. By what means did he learn this?
9. What gives John his greatest joy?
10. In what relation does he represent Gaius?
11. How could this relation exist?
12. Was Gaius selfish in his conduct?
13. Was he partial in his good deeds?
14. Who are meant by strangers?
15. What did Paul command on this subject?
16. Yet to whom is our first obligation?
17. What had the favored ones borne for Gaius?
18. Of what had they borne this?
19. Where had they done so?
20. State the antecedent of “whom” in 3Jn 1:6.
21. Explain “after a godly sort” in this verse.
22. How could this conduct be toward God?
23. Who went forth in 3Jn 1:7?
24. Taking nothing of what, from the Gentiles?
25. For whose sake did they do this?
26. What apostolic examples have we for this?
27. Is a preacher required to do this?
28. What may he require of the church?
29. In receiving such as above what do we become?
30. On what principle could this be?
31. To whom did John write?
32. Did he have special authority to write?
33. Why did Diotrephes receive him not?
34. How might his evil desire be hindered by John?
35. Explain hi. desire in light of 2Th 2:7.
36. Did this decide John not to come ?
37. In what way did Diotrephes oppose John?
38. State further how he treated brethren.
39. To what extent did he work against them?
40. What would John have Gaius to follow?
41. By what facts does he identify each kind?
42. State the general reputation of Demetrius.
43. And tell the special report he had.
44. What personal testimony was added to this?
45. Instead of writing further what does he expect?
46. What were materials were uscd in this letter?
47. Did that make it a dead letter?
48. What does he wish to be with him?
49. Who joined John in greetings?
50. What personal greeting did he here direct?
Third John
Ralph Starling
Again in this letter LOVE is the key
That helped him with his every need.
Such as Gaius work in the church
Testified by all as to his worth.
Such an example we should all be
That for Christs sake others may be free.
Others, however, have not been so noble
There was Diotrephes noted for trouble.
For in all things he love the preeminence
So many of his deeds and words were without any sense.
True to Johns nature of love
He wishes for all that peace from above
And hopes that in due time,
Face to fac with you, will be mine.
2Jo 1:12
Reciprocal: Act 15:27 – who
THE PRESENT LORD
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of Man.
Rev 1:13
This vision of St. John in Patmos, granted to him on the Lords day, brings before us
I. A living Lord.It is not a mere historical personage, to whose great deeds we look back with admiration, that we call Master. It is He Who is alive for evermore, Who has the keys of Hades in His own royal hand. We do not think and speak of our Divine Head as of One that was, but as of One that is.
II. A present Lord.He is in the midst of the Churches: not removed by immeasurable space from where we are living and labouring, but in the midst of us; quite near to us, accessible at every hour, observant of every action and of all endurance.
III. A reigning Lord.This One Who is in the midst of the golden candlesticks is He Who holdeth the seven stars in His right hand (Rev 2:1). It is He Who has all power given to Him in heaven and on earth.
IV. A gracious Lord.One like unto the Son of Man; He therefore Who was once clothed in our humanity, once was partaker of our flesh and blood, once lived our human life; He Who has looked on all things through human eyes, and weighed all things by human measures; He Who has actually experienced human hopes and fears, human joys and sorrows, human gratifications and disappointments. This is a living Lord, of whose tender sympathy we may be always sure, upon whose willing strength we may always lean, on whose gracious considerateness we may always count.
V. A Lord Whose presence is the one true bond of union.In the midst of the Churches; each one of them is therefore closely and vitally related to Him. They may not be organically connected with one another, but every one of them is directly related to Him.
ST.
3Jn 1:13. This has the same meaning as 2Jn 1:12.
III.Conclusion.
3Jn 1:13-14. We know not the issue of this Epistle. It was evidently written amidst circumstances which allowed no delay. Though the apostle would shortly visit the church of Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius, he sends this message for the present emergency.
3 John 1:15. Peace be to thee: the only instance of this personal formula in the New Testament. The friends salute thee: again the only instance of the brethren being called friends. Salute the friends by name: as if their names were mentioned. The familiar character of the letter may explain these peculiarities; but it must not be forgotten that these several terms carry us back to the Lords first use and sanctification of them. There can be no higher salutation than the PEACE which came up out of the Old Testament to receive its deeper meaning in the New. And the Epistles of the New Testament worthily end with Peace to the individual saint, and the Salutation of the Brethren who are also the Friends of Jesus individually and by name.
Thus our apostle concludes his epistle with an apology for the brevity of it, hoping in a short time to see him, and to speak face to face unto him; he concludes with his apostolic valediction, Peace be to thee; unto which adding the brethren’s salutations, it teaches us, that kind remembrances and greetings are suitable to Christian friendship: Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
3Jn 1:13-14. I had many other things to write To communicate to thee concerning the affairs of your church, and concerning Diotrephes; but I will not I am not minded; to write unto thee with ink and pen Meaning, probably, lest this letter should fall into hands who might make an improper use of it. But I trust I shall shortly see thee Lardner conjectures that John did actually visit Gaius; and adds, I please myself with the supposition that his journey was not in vain, but that Diotrephes submitted and acquiesced in the advices and admonitions of the apostle. Peace be to thee And every desirable blessing, from God our Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord. Our friends salute thee Our translators have inserted the word our in this clause without any authority. The apostles words are , the friends, an expression nowhere else found in Scripture; but it applies excellently to the primitive Christians, as it denotes, in the strongest manner, the love which, in the first ages, subsisted among the true disciples of Christ. Greet the friends by name That is, in the same manner as if I had named them one by one. The apostle, by sending a salutation to the faithful disciples of Christ, who were in the church of which Gaius was a member, and who were living together in great love, showed his paternal and affectionate regard for them, and encouraged them to be steadfast in their adherence to the truth and grace of the gospel, and to walk worthy of it.
III. CONCLUSION VV. 13-14
John concluded as he did to explain the brevity of this epistle and his hope to visit Gaius soon. This conclusion is very similar to the one in 2 John (2Jn 1:12-13; cf. Joh 20:30).
The use of "friends" to describe believers is unusual. John evidently wished to draw attention to the basic quality of friendship that exists among believers. As friends Christians should show hospitality to and should support one another, the specific expression of love that John urged in this letter.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Fuente: Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
Fuente: A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical by Lange
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)