Some Key Words

Write (grapho [1125]):

To engrave, write; To commit to writing things not to be forgotten, record, compose; to describe.

Speak (laleo [2980]):

to talk at random, words as opposed to noises; to speak, articulate, talk, tell, use words to disclose one's thoughts; to talk.

 

Paraphrase

12 There's much to be said but it deserves to be said in person, without the remoteness of writing. 13 Those whom John is with greet those he writes to.

Key Verse

12 - for no particular reason.

Some Parallel Verses

12

3Jn 13 - Gaius, too, John hopes to see rather than write more to. Jn 3:29 - The joy of the bridegroom's friend is found in the bridegroom's joy. 1Jn 1:4 - John writes to complete his joy by giving his readers sound instruction.

13

 

New Thoughts

It's interesting that John desires the personal, face to face words to the written word. I begin to sense a spiritual point to this passage, as well. We are blessed greatly to have God's Word, written and preserved in Scripture for us to turn to and review at will. But how much better to converse with God, to be 'face to face' with our Lord. John was blessed with such a face to face relationship, both in having walked with Jesus throughout His time here, and in having been taken up to experience the visions related in Revelation. Is it any wonder that he saw so much more possibility in the less perfected mode of relaying thought? In the written, we have time to think, and carefully phrase what we write. But the spoken word is so much quicker, and reveals more of the heart, for there's less room for any disguise to slip in. Lord, help us to speak without disguise; to reveal our hearts completely. Lord, create in us a heart that we are not ashamed to reveal! And, cleanse us, oh God, that we may speak with you 'face to face'. I thank You that You gave of Yourself, sending Your Son so that I could have access to Your very throne room! This is grace unbounded! But God, You are holy, and I have yet to walk a day in righteousness. How then, can I talk to You face to face? I can come pleading at the foot of Your throne, and I can be confident that my Christ, my Savior is there to plead my case with me and for me. But how could I, in this state, dare to lift my eyes to You in speaking? God, I long to be able to do so. Is that wrong? Is that what will come when we come to be with You? Oh, that it be so! That we would be so completely changed, God, that we could even come talk to You. I am reminded this moment that we have right to call out to You as Daddy. What a blessing, oh God. What privilege You pile upon me! Lord, let me never forget that You are Daddy! Nor let me forget that You are holy. Help me to bear both in mind that I not fear to come to You with my trials, nor with my praises; and that I fear greatly to walk in ways You would not approve of. Thank You, Lord, for being You.