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Daily Devotions

2 John

2 John 
Day 
Day 16

"I hope to come to you and speak face to face..."

Text: 2 John 12

THE PURPOSE OF THE LETTER

The Apostle John’s purpose of writing was fulfilled. He wanted to keep in touch with his dear friend. He wanted to especially warn her of false teachers who were taking advantage of gracious and generous patrons. Having written what was needed, John drew this brief letter to a close.

THE CONCLUSION

There were limits to letter writing. John closed his letter on a personal note.

“Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink;
but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.”
2 John 12-13

1. “Having many things to write to you”

a) Understandably John had many things to share with a dear friend.
b) But he focused on writing only what seemed urgently needed.

2. “I did not wish to do so with paper and ink”

a) Letter writing was one form of communication.
b) But that was not John’s preferred mode of communication.

3. “But I hope to come to you and speak face to face”

a) Fellowship on a face to face level was preferred.
b) John preferred this mode of communication.
c) So many more things could be communicated and more effectively.

4. “That our joy may be full”

a) Mutual joy was in mind.
b) Letter writing had its limitations.
c) A letter may take months to reach its destination.
d) The reply may take just as long.
e) But where there is face to face fellowship, joy may be full indeed.

5. “The children of your elect sister greet you”

a) The elect lady had a sister and children.
b) John greeted the elect lady with their greetings.

What a privilege it must have been to receive a personal letter from a deeply respected apostle of Christ!