Read & explore together
Conclusion
These closing lines end the letter in a warm and personal way. The writer chooses not to put everything in writing, hopes for a soon visit, speaks peace, and passes on greetings between friends.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This is the conclusion of 3 John. In these two verses, the writer says there is more he could say, yet he does not want to continue with ink and pen. Instead, he hopes to see the reader soon, speak face to face, offer peace, and exchange greetings by name.
3 John 1:13–14Main takeaway
These verses show a careful choice about communication, joined with peace and personal greetings.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01More remained to be saidThe writer says, “I had many things to write to you”. That tells us this short letter does not contain everything he wished to communicate.
Explanation
The writer says, “I had many things to write to you”. That tells us this short letter does not contain everything he wished to communicate. The sentence also shows intention and restraint. He had more material available, yet he did not keep expanding the written message at this point.
02Not everything was for ink and penHe continues, “but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen”. Since these words appear in a letter, the point is not that writing itself is wrong.
Explanation
He continues, “but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen”. Since these words appear in a letter, the point is not that writing itself is wrong. Rather, the writer draws a limit. Some matters were not going to be added to this written message.
03A hoped-for visit and direct conversationVerse 14 turns from writing to presence: “I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.”
Explanation
Verse 14 turns from writing to presence: “I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.” The writer expresses hope, not a fixed timetable. “Face to face” highlights direct conversation, where the exchange would happen in person rather than through further lines on a page.
04Peace and named greetingsThe final words are brief and personal: “Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.”
Explanation
The final words are brief and personal: “Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.” Peace is spoken to the reader, and greetings move in both directions. The instruction to greet friends by name shows that these relationships are personal rather than anonymous.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does the writer reveal when he says he had many things to write?
Focus on the fact that verse 13 says more could have been written, even though the letter ends here.
02Why does the writer mention speaking face to face after talking about ink and pen?
Compare verse 13 with verse 14 and notice the movement from written words to hoped-for personal conversation.
03What do the repeated words about peace and friends show in this conclusion?
Verse 14 points to peace, greetings, and naming friends, so look at the personal tone of the ending.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
3 John 1:13–14
13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
14but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.