Final Greetings and Wishes (3 John 1:13-14)

FINAL GREETINGS AND WISHES (3 JOHN 1:13-14):

Apostle John concludes his letter by writing that he had much to write to Gaius but he would rather not write with pen and ink and he hopes to see him soon so that they would talk face to face. Apostle John is much person-oriented, which should be for every disciple of Christ and he would have had many things to convey to Gaius personal as well ministerial. Certain things could be better correlated by direct expression and discussion rather than by a one-way communication which could be misinterpreted at times. So though Apostle John had many things to write to Gaius, still he thinks that he would rather not merely do it with the pen and ink which could not convey the actual expression at times. Apostle John also could have had a reason of hope to see Gaius in person very soon and talk directly by comforting, encouraging and admonishing in a better possible way.

Apostle John writes the final greetings that peace is to Gaius and the friends greet him. Apostle John also says to greet the friends each by name.  A comforting word of peace to the other could be stated only with genuine love, wishing the goodness and well-being of others. Apostle John had not just put down his thoughts, but also conveys the greetings of the friends who would have been known to Gaius. Also, Apostle John doesn’t just end his letter by mentioning Gaius alone, he enquires about so many others in the beginning and finally asks Gaius to greet the friends there who would know Apostle John, not missing out anyone but their name.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      What does the author have to write? Why?

2.      How the author would not write rather? Why?

3.      What does the author hope? Why?

4.      What is the author’s final word to Gaius? Why he says that?

5.      Who greets Gaius? Why would the author mention it?

6.      Whom does the author greet? How and why?

7.      Do we long to see and interact with our fellow members in Christ? Why or Why not?

8.      How we can wish our fellow members to be in Christ?