I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;  but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

(3 John 13-14)

I had many things to write …

1. John must have many other things to write to Gaius
   1. As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus
   2. As a senior pastor over local churches
   3. As a spiritual mentor
2. But he does not want to put them all in writings
   1. He acknowledges the limitation of the writings
   2. He has other ways of reaching Gaius in honor

But I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face

1. John hopes to see Gaius very soon
2. When John sees Gaius in person, both of them will speak to each other face to face
3. This form of face-to-face communication
   1. Is much preferred to than the writing form of communication
   2. Is something much desired
   3. Is also something Paul looked forward to (Romans 1:12)

Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name

1. John winds up his personal letter to his beloved Gaius
2. As he ends the letter,
   1. he wishes peace for him (Gaius)
   2. he greets him (Gaius) for their friends (the friends of John and of Gaius)
   3. he tells him (Gaius) to greet the friends by name for himself (John himself)
3. How nice to greet one another as brethren!

Challenges

1. Let us keep in touch with one another
   1. Because we love one another in truth
   2. Because we care for one another
2. Let us seek to encourage one another
   1. To set a good example for others
   2. To imitate the good examples of others
3. Let there be a face-to-face communication among us as brethren!