What is the context?
The elder has more to write, but hopes to visit soon and speak face to face. The letter closes with peace and greetings between friends. Asking that each friend be greeted by name gives the ending a personal warmth.
The BSB places the peace and final greetings in verse 14. Editions that number them as verse 15 cover the same closing material; the Scripture panel here follows the BSB numbering.
The writer does not explain why he prefers to finish the conversation in person. His closing expresses that preference without telling readers that letters are inadequate or that a specific threat prevented him from saying more.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley emphasizes greeting the friends individually, as though they had each been named. The USCCB note recognizes friends as members of the connected Christian community. The emphasis is personal fellowship and peace at the end of a letter that has addressed a painful conflict.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.