2 John 12 - 13

12 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.

13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

John had many things on his mind to pass on to them, but they were so important that he did not want to send them via a letter. He knew they would be better understood if they were given in person and face too face.

This devout woman who he is writing to also has a chosen woman by the Lord who is her sister. The children of her sister are with John as he writes to her so he knows they with to send their greetings to their aunt with John's message.

3 John 1 - 4

1 The Elder,

To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Gaius was the name of several individuals in the New Testament. The other's listed are connected with Paul, (Acts 19:29; 20:4; Romans 16:23; 1 Corinthians 1:4) They are one of Paul's travel companions, his host, and a convert of Paul's at Corinth. According to Thayer, Robinson's Lexicon, Funk and Wagnall's New Standard Bible Dictionary this Gaius is simply known as an unknown Christian. We do know from verse 4 he is one of John's converts because John includes him in “my children.” John also shows that he values the faith of Gaius because he states his love for him.

Verse 2 is similar to many greetings written in New Testament epistles where the grace of God is prayed for the recipients to have. This letter also wishes for Gaius to have good physical health.

The reports which John receive from those in the brotherhood regarding Gaius' spiritual faith gives John great joy because of Gaius' adherence to Christ's word. He shows his belief in the truth of Christ's word by the fact that he “Walks the walk” and not just “talks the talk.”

John knows no greater happiness than when he knows the ones he converted are sincerely following Christ's word.