3 John 1:14
But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
3 John 1:14
“I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.” This closing expresses anticipation of in-person fellowship, the blessing of peace, and a warm, communal bond. The phrase “our friends salute thee” indicates a network of believers who share fellowship and mutual encouragement. “Greet the friends by name” personalizes the relationship, showing the value of individual relationships within the broader church community. It anchors the letter in relational reality rather than merely doctrinal discourse, emphasizing how the gospel unites people across distances.
Themes include relational ecclesiology, the value of peace in Christian community, and the importance of personal connection in ministry. It highlights that truth and love operate best in the context of personal relationships, where individuals are known and named. The closing also implies that the gospel creates a shared life that extends beyond a single locality to a wider community of faith.
Practice personal connection: send handwritten notes, call or video chat with church members you don’t see often, or write thoughtful messages to people by name. If you lead a ministry, close your communications with warm, personal expressions of care. In everyday life, invest time to greet and encourage others in your faith community by name, invite someone to coffee after service, or host a small gathering to strengthen connections. These acts of named care help sustain a shared life in Christ.
Cross-References: Romans 16:16; Philemon 1:1-2; 2 John 1:12; Colossians 4:14