Albert Barnes Commentary 2 John 1:12

"Having many things to write unto you, I would not [write them] with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full." — 2 John 1:12 (ASV)

Having many things to write to you—that is, many things I would wish to say. This language is the kind that would be used by someone who was hurried, or in feeble health, or who hoped soon to see the person written to. In such a case, only the points of most immediate and pressing importance would be selected, and the remainder would be reserved for a more free personal interview.

I would not write with paper. The word paper here conveys an idea that is not strictly correct. Paper, as that term is now understood, was not invented until long after this period.

The material designated by the word John used (carthv) was the Egyptian papyrus, and the particular thing denoted was a leaf made from that plant. The sheets were made from membranes of the plant closely pressed together.

This plant was also found in Syria and Babylon, but it was produced in greater abundance in Egypt, and that was the plant commonly used. It was so comparatively cheap that it largely superseded the earlier materials for writing—plates of lead, or stone, or the skins of animals.

It is probable that the books of the New Testament were written on this type of paper. Compare Hug, Intro. chap. iii., 11.

And ink. The ink commonly used in writing was made of soot and water, with a mixture of some type of gum to give it consistency and durability—Lucke. The instrument or pen was made of a reed.

But I trust to come to you, and speak face to face. The margin reads, as in Greek, mouth to mouth. This phrase is a common one to denote conversation with anyone, especially free and confidential conversation. Compare Numbers 12:8; Jeremiah 32:4.

That our joy may be full. The margin reads, your. The marginal reading has arisen from a variation in the Greek copies. The word our is best sustained and accords best with the connection. John would likely express the hope that he would find pleasure from such an interview. See Barnes on 1 John 1:4.

Compare Romans 1:11-12.