3 John 1:14

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of 3 John 1:14

This verse concludes the very short and personal letter from "the elder" (traditionally identified as the Apostle John) to his beloved friend, Gaius. Throughout the epistle, John commends Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality to traveling missionaries (3 John 1:5-8) and contrasts him with Diotrephes, who loved to have the preeminence (3 John 1:9-10). As was common in ancient correspondence, John ends with a personal expression of hope for a future meeting, a blessing, and greetings from and to mutual acquaintances, emphasizing the deep personal bonds within the early Christian community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Desire for Personal Fellowship: John expresses a fervent wish to meet Gaius "face to face." This highlights the importance of direct, personal communication and relationship in Christian ministry and friendship, valuing presence over written words when possible.
  • The Blessing of Peace: The traditional greeting "Peace [be] to thee" (Greek: eirēnē, akin to the Hebrew shalom) is a comprehensive blessing. It encompasses not just an absence of conflict, but also wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and spiritual tranquility. It serves as a profound wish for Gaius's overall welfare.
  • Community and Mutual Care: The exchange of greetings – "Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name" – underscores the interconnectedness and personal nature of the early church network. It shows John's awareness of Gaius's local community and his desire for individual believers to feel recognized and valued. This practice strengthens the bonds of Christian fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "peace" is eirēnē (εἰρήνη), which is a rich concept in both the Old and New Testaments. While often translated simply as 'peace,' it carries the broader meaning of wholeness, completeness, and well-being in every aspect of life – spiritual, emotional, and physical. This aligns with the Hebrew concept of shalom, often used as a greeting to wish comprehensive welfare upon another.

Practical Application

3 John 1:14 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Value Personal Connection: In an age of digital communication, this verse reminds us of the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction and genuine fellowship within the body of Christ. Prioritizing personal presence fosters deeper relationships and stronger communities.
  • Extend Blessings of Peace: We are called to be peacemakers and to extend blessings of peace, recognizing that true peace comes from God (John 14:27). Our words and actions should reflect a desire for the well-being and spiritual tranquility of others.
  • Nurture Community: The simple act of sending and receiving greetings, especially "by name," emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and valuing every member of the Christian family. It encourages us to be intentional in showing care and building up our local church communities.
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Cross-References

  • Romans 16:1 (2 votes)

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

  • Romans 16:16 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 43:23 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 6:23 (2 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:16 (2 votes)

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

  • Daniel 4:1 (2 votes)

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