This coming Sunday we will complete our summer long study of the Epistle of Second John. We will be looking at verses 12 and 13 which contain John’s final words to the saints in Asia Minor. He concludes his little letter with these inspired lines:

12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you.

Like the rest of the Epistle, there is much truth tightly compressed into these short verses! And with the help of the Spirit, we will try to extract and apply what we discover here.

As we take an initial look, there are at least three significant points to consider: First, we see the importance of personal relationships within the body of Christ (I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face). Second, we see the glorious result of the rich personal fellowship we share in the Lord (so that our joy may be complete). And third, we discover John’s emphasis upon what has been called the ‘communion of the saints’ in the one true and holy Church of Christ (The children of your elect sister greet you).