“Although I have many things to write you, I do not desire to do so with paper and ink, but I am hoping to come to you and to speak with you face to face, that your joy may be in full measure.

(2 John 12, 13)

What the apostle still had in his heart he preferred not to commit to writing. So he put aside the papyrus paper, his reed pen and the ink (likely, a black mixture of gum, soot and water). Despite his advanced age he hoped to visit and talk “face to face,” or, literally, “mouth toward mouth,” thus enjoying intimate communication. (Kingdom Interlinear Translation; compare Numbers 12:6-8.) The aged apostle’s visit surely would result in a spiritually rewarding interchange of encouragement, along with abundant delight.​—Compare Romans 1:11, 12.