Matthew Henry

12-13

While written communications have their pleasures, so, too, do personal discussions. By all available means, we should seek to commune with saints of like spirit. Such communion brings joy to the brethren. (Ro 1:12 - Such communion of the brethren encourages and comforts those involved.) John includes greetings from others of the Lady's relatives to further encourage her, and to aid them in their family duty.

 

 

Adam Clarke

12-13

More comfort is to be had in personal conversation, than can be had from a letter, so John reserves the bulk of his words for such a conversation. It is likely that it is her own sister from Ephesus whose greeting is sent. Both sisters are honorable.

 

 

Barnes

12

Having communicated the most pressing points, John reserves the rest for a time when they can speak face to face. It was not truly paper he would have used for writing, but papyrus, as paper hadn't been invented yet. His writing would have been with a soot/water mixture applied by reed. He awaits opportunity for a free and confidential conversation. (Nu 12:8 - God speaks to Moses face to face. Jer 32:4 - Zedekiah and the king of Babylon will speak face to face.) John hopes to find that conversation pleasurable. (1Jn 1:4 - his joy is made full in knowing his recipients to be sons of God. Ro 1:11-12 - Paul hopes for mutual encouragement in meeting with the saints in Rome.)

13

That the sister's greeting is not sent itself suggests she was either dead or absent, although to be counted amongst the true Christians.

 

 

Wycliffe

12-13

The similarity between this conclusion and that of 3John suggests they were written at the same time. What remained to be discussed would perhaps be those things covered in 1John that have not been covered here.

 

 

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

12

Love flows more freely in person than in writing. Letters would have been written on papyrus, whereas books, and more permanent manuscripts would be put on parchment. John's joy - as always - is found in communicating the Gospel truth. (1Jn 1:4 - which brought him joy in writing to the brethren.)

13

That the sister herself is not mentioned suggests that this is a church-to-church address.

 

 

New Thoughts

Lord, I pray that You would help my love to flow more freely. So often, I find talking an uncomfortable way to communicate. I stumble, I get frustrated with myself and with others. This seems especially true at home, which is the last place it ought to be so. God, please restore to me the pleasure of conversation. I knew it in my youth, but age has made me overly cautious in sharing myself. Too many hurts, I suppose. But You can heal me. You can restore the simple joy of my youth, even as You have been doing with Jan. I pray You would. I thank You for the things You've been revealing to me through these study times. I'm not sure why You've been having me do things quite this way, who is likely to ever read these notes besides You and I, but I thank You. And I'm so glad we can continue on with these times. They've been such a blessing to me. I hope they have been so to You as well. I'm longing to speak with You face to face. And You know? It's a good feeling. All fear is gone, there's just a longing to be able to actually talk with You. Come chat soon, Lord.