3 John 1:4

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are living in obedience to the truth.

3 John 1:4 Meaning and Commentary

3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy
Nothing that causes greater joy. The Vulgate Latin version reads "grace" or "thanks"; and then the sense is, that he had nothing to be more thankful for:

than to hear that my children walk in truth;
meaning his spiritual children, those whose conversion he had been the instrument of; and among these it seems Gaius was one.

3 John 1:4 In-Context

2 My dear friend, I pray that you may in all respects prosper and enjoy good health, just as your soul already prospers.

3 For it is an intense joy to me when brethren come and bear witness to your fidelity to the truth--that you live in obedience to the truth.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are living in obedience to the truth.

5 My dear friend, you are acting faithfully in all your behaviour towards the brethren, even when they are strangers to you.

6 They have testified, in the presence of the Church, to your love; and you will do well to help them on their journey in a manner worthy of your fellowship with God.