What does 3 John 1:13 mean?

Explanation

3 John 1:13 is a personal remark made by the author, traditionally believed to be John the Apostle, toward the end of his third epistle.

The verse conveys his preference to relay information and express his thoughts in person rather than through written communication.

On a literal level, this means that John had various matters to discuss with the addressee, named Gaius in the epistle, but he chose not to detail them in the letter.

The deeper implications could suggest that some conversations are better held face-to-face, possibly due to their sensitive nature, the need for confidentiality, or to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings that can arise from written communication.

Historical Context

The epistle of 3 John was likely composed in the late first century AD.

This was a time when early Christian communities were spread across vast distances, and communication was predominantly carried out through letters delivered by trusted couriers.

The letter is addressed to a man named Gaius, a member of one such Christian community, and it covers issues such as hospitality, travelling preachers, and conflicts within the church.

The personal nature of the letter and its focus on specific individuals and situations suggest it was intended for a specific audience, unlike some of the other universal or "catholic" epistles.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse reflects the incarnational aspect of Christian theology , the value of physical presence, emulating how God chose to communicate his love through Jesus' personal presence among humanity.

The implication could be that while written communication is valuable, it cannot replace the fullness of personal interaction, mirroring the belief in the importance of community and personal connection in the body of Christ.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can be applied to stress the importance of personal connections and conversations in our daily lives.

It encourages individuals not to rely solely on impersonal methods of communication, like emails or texts, especially when dealing with serious or nuanced topics that may benefit from direct interaction.

It also has relevance in reminding people of the limitations of written communication, advocating for face-to-face discussions to foster understanding and resolve issues more effectively.

Cross-References

• 2 John 1:12 - "Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full."
• 1 Thessalonians 2:17 - "But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire."
• Romans 1:11 - "For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;"

Language Study

The Greek words used in this verse are:

• "γράφειν" (graphein) meaning "to write."
• "μελάνι" (melani) and "κάλαμος" (kalamos), translating as "ink" and "pen" (or "reed") respectively.

The use of "will not" (οὐ θέλω / ou thelō) indicates a deliberate choice by the author, emphasizing intentionality rather than inability.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, oral tradition was the primary means of passing knowledge and sacred stories, as seen in many cultures including the Hebrew tradition.

The preference for spoken communication can also be observed in the teachings of other religious figures like Socrates, who never wrote his philosophy, but whose dialogues were chronicled by his student Plato.

The emphasis on face-to-face interaction in 3 John aligns with these broader cultural values of personal communication and oral tradition.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern communication theories and psychological studies support the idea that non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language play a crucial role in effective communication.

This is in agreement with the preference for personal interaction demonstrated in the verse, indicating that complex messages are often better conveyed and understood in person.

Commentaries

John MacArthur highlights that John intended to convey deeper pastoral care which could only be provided in person.

Matthew Henry suggests that John had matters to discuss that were either too sensitive or too extensive for a letter.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary emphasizes the personal warmth and the desire for a more intimate fellowship that John wanted to express by speaking face-to-face.

These various interpretations reflect a consensus among theologians that John placed a high value on personal, one-on-one fellowship.