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.

Having {G2192} many things {G4183} to write {G1125} unto you {G5213}, I would {G1014} not {G3756} write with {G1223} paper {G5489} and {G2532} ink {G3188}: but {G235} I trust {G1679} to come {G2064} unto {G4314} you {G5209}, and {G2532} speak {G2980} face {G4750} to {G4314} face {G4750}, that {G2443} our {G2257} joy {G5479} may be {G5600} full {G4137}.

Although I have much to write you people, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and see you and to talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 John 1:12 (KJV)

In 2 John 1:12, the Apostle John, identifying himself as "the Elder" (2 John 1:1), concludes his brief but vital letter to "the elect lady and her children" with a heartfelt expression of his desire for personal fellowship. This verse reveals his pastoral heart and his understanding of the profound value of face-to-face communion in the Christian faith.

Context

Second John is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, serving as a concise warning against emerging false teachers who denied the true humanity of Jesus Christ (2 John 1:7). Throughout the letter, John emphasizes the importance of walking in truth and love, adhering to the original teachings received from the beginning (2 John 1:4-6). This concluding verse signals that despite the urgent nature of his written communication, there are many more things he wishes to convey that are best shared in person. This preference for direct interaction is a recurring theme in John's epistles, also seen in 3 John 1:13-14.

Key Themes

  • Preference for Personal Interaction: John clearly states his preference for speaking directly rather than continuing to write. This highlights the limitations of written communication and the unique benefits of verbal exchange, which allows for deeper understanding, immediate clarification, and a more intimate connection. In the early church, personal visits from apostles and elders were crucial for teaching, encouragement, and combating heresy.
  • The Fullness of Joy: The ultimate purpose of John's desired visit is "that our joy may be full." This refers to a mutual, complete, and overflowing spiritual joy derived from shared fellowship, direct encouragement, and the reinforcement of truth. It is a joy rooted in Christ and experienced in community, a theme that resonates with Jesus' own words about His desire for His disciples' joy to be complete (John 15:11; John 16:24).
  • Importance of Fellowship: The verse underscores the vital role of Christian fellowship and personal communion. While letters could convey doctrine, the spiritual richness of gathering together, sharing life, and receiving direct pastoral care was irreplaceable for strengthening faith and unity against error.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "face to face" is a translation of the Greek stoma pros stoma (στόμα πρὸς στόμα), literally meaning "mouth to mouth." This idiom emphasizes direct, intimate, and unmediated conversation, rather than a mere casual encounter. It implies a depth of communication that written words, even from an apostle, could not fully achieve. The word "full" (Greek: plerousthai) denotes being completely filled or perfected, suggesting a joy that is not partial or lacking but brought to its intended completion through the blessing of shared presence.

Practical Application

In an age dominated by digital communication, 2 John 1:12 serves as a timeless reminder of the profound value of personal, in-person connection within the Christian community. While written messages and online interactions have their place, they cannot fully replicate the richness and depth of spiritual fellowship that occurs when believers gather "face to face." This verse encourages us to:

  • Prioritize Personal Fellowship: Actively seek out and cherish opportunities for direct interaction with fellow believers and spiritual leaders.
  • Experience Deeper Joy: Understand that true, complete spiritual joy is often found and amplified in shared presence and mutual encouragement, not just in isolated study.
  • Strengthen Community Bonds: Recognize that the health and unity of the church are significantly enhanced by genuine, personal relationships, which foster spiritual growth and resilience against false teachings. This echoes the importance of not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25).
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Cross-References

  • John 16:12 (5 votes)

    I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

  • Numbers 12:8 (4 votes)

    With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

  • John 15:11 (4 votes)

    These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.

  • John 16:24 (3 votes)

    Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

  • John 17:13 (3 votes)

    And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

  • Hebrews 13:19 (3 votes)

    But I beseech [you] the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.

  • 3 John 1:13 (3 votes)

    I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: