3 John 1:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink.

NIV: I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink.

NASB: I had many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you with pen and ink;

CSB: I have many things to write you, but I don't want to write to you with pen and ink.

NLT: I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to write it with pen and ink.

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

NKJV: I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;

John begins a three-verse conclusion to this brief letter. John could have written much more than he did. This is only one of five New Testament books by John, and he likely wrote much material which was not included in the Bible. Yet extensive detail is not John's goal in this particular letter. He appears to focus on encouraging Gaius (3 John 1:1–8), speaking against Diotrephes (3 John 1:9–10), and encouraging Demetrius (3 John 1:11–12). John may have also wanted to say more about Demetrius, a man well known to John but perhaps not well known to Gaius, since John takes time to certify his character. Another reason for the short letter is John's plans to personally visit Gaius. At that time, a feather was dipped into ink in order to write a letter.

Third John 1:11–14 (15) encourages Gaius to follow good examples. In the previous verses, John condemned the actions of a man named Diotrephes. Rather than being arrogant and unwelcoming, Gaius is to follow those who seem to have “seen God.” One of these may be Demetrius, who is mentioned immediately afterwards. Third John not only emphasizes “truth,” but the importance of copying godly behaviors, not evil ones. This passage concludes his letter.

Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.

Third John consists of just one chapter. This is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow believer, Gaius. “Truth” is mentioned six times in this book's brief 15 verses. Gaius is praised for his commitment to Christian service. At the same time, John condemns the actions of Diotrephes, a church member causing problems. After mentioning the good reputation of a man named Demetrius, John closes his letter in the hope of coming to see Gaius face-to-face. This upcoming meeting seems to be why the letter is so short.

Accessed 4/29/2024 6:56:04 AM