3 John 1:14

KJV

But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I trust {G1679} I shall {G1492} shortly {G2112} see {G1492} thee {G4571}, and {G2532} we shall speak {G2980} face {G4750} to {G4314} face {G4750}. Peace {G1515} be to thee {G4671}. Our friends {G5384} salute {G782} thee {G4571}. Greet {G782} the friends {G5384} by {G2596} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

however, I am hoping to see you very soon, and we will speak face to face.

Shalom to you. Your friends send you their greetings. Greet each of our friends by name.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the concluding remarks of his third epistle, the Apostle John expresses his earnest desire for an imminent face-to-face reunion with his beloved friend Gaius, emphasizing the profound value of personal fellowship over written communication. He extends a heartfelt blessing of peace, a comprehensive wish for well-being, and conveys greetings from mutual acquaintances while also instructing Gaius to personally acknowledge the believers in his community by name. This verse beautifully encapsulates the deep personal bonds, pastoral care, and communal spirit that characterized the early Christian church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding salutation of the shortest book in the New Testament, 3 John. Following John's commendation of Gaius's faithfulness and hospitality towards traveling missionaries (e.g., [3 John 1:5-8](/3_john/1-5-8 "3 John 1:5-8 - Gaius's Hospitality")), and his sharp contrast with the disruptive and self-exalting Diotrephes ([3 John 1:9-10](/3_john/1-9-10 "3 John 1:9-10 - The Arrogance of Diotrephes")), John returns to a personal, affectionate tone. The desire for a face-to-face meeting is a common epistolary closing in ancient letters, reflecting the limitations of written communication and the preference for direct interaction. It mirrors a similar sentiment expressed in [2 John 1:12](/2_john/1-12 "2 John 1:12 - John's Desire for Face-to-Face Communication"), indicating John's pastoral heart and his value for genuine, personal relationships within the Christian community. The final greetings reinforce the interconnectedness of believers across different locations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century Roman world, letters were a primary means of communication over distance, but they were often seen as a temporary substitute for personal presence. Travel was arduous and dangerous, making face-to-face meetings highly anticipated and cherished events. The practice of sending greetings from and to mutual friends was a common social convention, but in the early church, it took on deeper significance, reinforcing the familial bonds of the nascent Christian community. The term "peace" (Greek: _eirēnē_, akin to Hebrew _shalom_) was a standard greeting, but for Christians, it carried profound theological weight, signifying not merely an absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, wholeness, and spiritual prosperity that ultimately derived from God. The emphasis on greeting "by name" highlights the personal nature of relationships in a culture where community identity was paramount.

* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse contributes to several key themes woven throughout 3 John and John's broader writings. Firstly, it underscores the paramount importance of **Christian hospitality and fellowship**, a theme central to Gaius's commendation ([3 John 1:5-8](/3_john/1-5-8 "3 John 1:5-8 - Gaius's Exemplary Hospitality")). John's longing for personal presence reinforces the idea that true Christian community thrives on direct, loving interaction, not merely abstract connection. Secondly, the blessing of "peace" points to the **spiritual and holistic well-being** that God desires for His people, a peace that transcends worldly circumstances and is a hallmark of God's kingdom ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace")). Finally, the exchange of greetings highlights the **interconnectedness and mutual care within the body of Christ**, emphasizing that believers are part of a larger family, where each individual is known and valued, a concept deeply rooted in the New Testament's understanding of the church as a unified body ([Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Romans 12:4-5 - The Church as One Body")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **trust (Greek, _elpízō'_):** From _elpis_ (hope), this verb means "to expect or confide." John expresses a confident expectation, a hopeful anticipation, that his desired meeting with Gaius will indeed come to pass. It signifies not just a wish, but a trust in the circumstances or divine providence that would enable their reunion.
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." Here, it refers to a literal visual encounter, emphasizing the physical presence and direct observation that John longs for. This "seeing" is foundational to the "face to face" speaking that follows.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Probably from a primary verb meaning "to join," this noun signifies "peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity." It encompasses a comprehensive state of well-being, wholeness, rest, and reconciliation. It's more than the absence of conflict; it's a positive, flourishing state of harmony and completeness, akin to the Hebrew _shalom_.
* **friends (Greek, _phílos'_):** Properly, "dear," meaning "a friend; actively, fond, i.e. friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)." This term highlights the affectionate and intimate nature of the relationships within the early Christian community. John uses it twice, both for those with him who greet Gaius, and for those in Gaius's community to be greeted, underscoring the familial bonds.
* **by (Greek, _katá'_):** A primary particle (prepositionally) meaning "down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case...)." In this context, _kata_ with _onoma_ (name) means "according to name" or "by name," signifying a personal, individual greeting rather than a general one.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I trust I shall shortly see thee":** John expresses a strong, hopeful expectation of a future meeting with Gaius. The adverb "shortly" (Greek: _euthéōs_) indicates his desire for this reunion to happen without delay, highlighting the urgency and depth of his longing for personal connection.
* **"and we shall speak face to face":** This clause clarifies the nature of the desired meeting. "Face to face" (Greek: _stóma pros stóma_, literally "mouth to mouth") emphasizes direct, unmediated communication, which was highly valued in ancient contexts. It implies a deeper level of intimacy, understanding, and fellowship than could be conveyed through written letters.
* **"Peace [be] to thee":** This is a traditional, yet profoundly meaningful, blessing. John invokes God's comprehensive peace upon Gaius, wishing him not just an absence of conflict, but spiritual, emotional, and physical wholeness, well-being, and prosperity. It is a pastoral benediction for his beloved co-worker in the faith.
* **"[Our] friends salute thee":** John conveys greetings from the believers who are with him, indicating that Gaius is known and esteemed by others in John's circle. This reinforces the broader network of Christian fellowship and mutual care that existed among the early disciples, demonstrating the communal nature of their faith.
* **"Greet the friends by name":** This is a specific instruction from John to Gaius. It emphasizes the importance of personal recognition and individual affirmation within the local church community. Greeting "by name" signifies a deep level of care, valuing each individual believer and strengthening the bonds of fellowship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Personal Tone**, which pervades the entire letter and culminates here. John's use of "I trust," "see thee," "speak face to face," and "my friends" creates an intimate, affectionate atmosphere, reinforcing the genuine bond between the elder and Gaius. The phrase "face to face" serves as an **Idiom** or **Metonymy**, where the physical act of seeing and speaking directly represents the deeper desire for unhindered, intimate fellowship and communication. The repeated use of "friends" (Greek: _philoi_) highlights the **Theme** of Christian fellowship and brotherhood, emphasizing the familial nature of the church. Finally, the **Epistolary Closing** itself, with its personal greetings and blessings, is a conventional literary form used to solidify relationships and convey goodwill, but John imbues it with profound spiritual significance, transforming a social custom into an expression of deep pastoral care and communal solidarity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This concluding verse beautifully encapsulates the New Testament emphasis on genuine Christian fellowship and the profound value of personal relationships within the body of Christ. John's longing for a face-to-face meeting is not merely a social nicety but reflects a theological truth: that the life of faith is meant to be lived in community, marked by direct interaction, mutual encouragement, and shared experience. The blessing of "peace" (eirēnē) echoes the comprehensive well-being that God desires for His people, a peace that flows from reconciliation with God through Christ and extends to all aspects of life, fostering harmony within the community. The instruction to greet "friends by name" underscores the individual worth and dignity of each believer, affirming that Christian love is personal and intentional, not merely abstract. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder that the church is a family, called to cultivate deep, authentic relationships rooted in shared faith and mutual care.

* [Romans 16:16](/romans/16-16 "Romans 16:16 - Greet One Another with a Holy Kiss")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Exhortation to Fellowship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an increasingly digital and often impersonal world, 3 John 1:14 offers a timeless and vital reminder of the irreplaceable value of personal connection within the Christian community. John's yearning to speak "face to face" with Gaius challenges us to prioritize genuine, in-person fellowship over convenient but often superficial digital interactions. While technology can facilitate communication, it cannot fully replicate the depth, nuance, and spiritual resonance of shared physical presence. This verse calls us to be intentional about fostering deep relationships within our local churches, moving beyond casual acquaintance to truly know and be known by our brothers and sisters in Christ. Furthermore, John's blessing of "peace" encourages us to be conduits of God's peace in our interactions, speaking words that bring wholeness, encouragement, and spiritual tranquility to others. Finally, the instruction to "greet the friends by name" is a powerful call to personal affirmation and recognition, urging us to see and value each individual in our faith community, remembering their names, their stories, and their unique place in the body of Christ. Such intentionality builds stronger, more loving, and more resilient communities of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current pattern of communication reflect or neglect the value of "face-to-face" interaction in my Christian relationships?**
* **In what practical ways can I extend God's "peace" (wholeness and well-being) to those in my sphere of influence this week?**
* **How intentional am I about knowing and greeting fellow believers "by name," and what steps can I take to deepen my personal connections within my church community?**

### FAQ

**Why was "face to face" communication so important to John?**
Answer: In the ancient world, written letters, while essential for communication over distance, were often seen as a poor substitute for personal presence. "Face to face" interaction (Greek: _stóma pros stóma_, literally "mouth to mouth") allowed for direct, nuanced conversation, the reading of body language, and the full expression of affection and pastoral care that a letter could not convey. It fostered deeper intimacy, understanding, and fellowship, which John highly valued in his relationships with fellow believers like Gaius. It also allowed for direct teaching, correction, and encouragement, which were crucial for the health of the early church.

**What is the significance of "Peace [be] to thee" in this context?**
Answer: The greeting "Peace [be] to thee" (Greek: _eirḗnē_) is far more than a casual farewell. It carries the rich theological weight of the Hebrew concept of _shalom_, encompassing not just the absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, wholeness, prosperity, and spiritual tranquility. For John, it was a profound pastoral blessing, invoking God's comprehensive favor and flourishing upon Gaius. It signifies a desire for Gaius's spiritual, emotional, and even physical health, reflecting the deep care and love John had for him as a co-worker in the gospel. This peace is ultimately a gift from God, as seen in passages like [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The longing for "face to face" fellowship and the blessing of "peace" in 3 John 1:14 find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of true peace, having reconciled humanity to God through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, thereby breaking down the wall of hostility and creating one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Christ's life and ministry were characterized by intimate, personal engagement with His disciples and with those He encountered, demonstrating the profound value of direct relationship. His promise to be "with you always, to the very end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Christ's Presence")) speaks to a spiritual presence that transcends physical distance, yet the Christian hope also anticipates a glorious future "face to face" encounter with Him in eternity ([1 Corinthians 13:12](/1_corinthians/13-12 "1 Corinthians 13:12 - Seeing Face to Face")). Moreover, the peace that John extends to Gaius is the very peace that Christ bequeaths to His followers, a peace "not as the world gives" ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Gift of Peace")), but a divine tranquility that guards hearts and minds. Thus, the desire for fellowship and the blessing of peace in this verse are deeply rooted in the person and work of Christ, who enables true community and bestows ultimate well-being upon His beloved friends.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 16:1

¶ I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Romans 16:16

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

Genesis 43:23

And he said, Peace [be] to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.

1 Peter 5:14

Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Ephesians 6:23

Peace [be] to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:16

[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Daniel 4:1

¶ Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.