In 3 John 1:14 NKJV, what is meant by “farewell greeting”?

In the book of 3 John in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, the concept of a "farewell greeting" is mentioned in the context of a letter written by the apostle John to Gaius. This short letter is a personal correspondence from John, commending Gaius for his hospitality and faithfulness to the truth. Within this letter, the farewell greeting plays a significant role in expressing John's affection and well-wishes towards Gaius.

In 3 John 1:14 of the NKJV, the verse reads, "But I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name." This verse represents the closing remarks of John's letter to Gaius, where he expresses his desire to meet Gaius in person soon and speak directly with him. He offers a message of peace and conveys greetings from mutual acquaintances, encouraging Gaius to reciprocate these greetings to others by name.

The term "farewell greeting" encompasses the sentiments of farewell, blessing, and goodwill towards the recipient. It serves as a way for the sender to extend their warm regards, express affection, and convey their hopes for the well-being of the individual receiving the message. In the context of 3 John 1:14 in the NKJV, the farewell greeting serves as a closing gesture of friendship, support, and mutual respect between John and Gaius.

The act of exchanging farewell greetings in biblical times held a significant cultural and relational significance. It was a customary practice to conclude letters with expressions of love, peace, and blessings as a way to reinforce the bond between the sender and the recipient. In the case of John's letter to Gaius, the farewell greeting exemplifies the importance of maintaining personal connections, nurturing relationships, and fostering a sense of community among believers.

The farewell greeting in 3 John NKJV underscores the value of personal communication, care, and relationship-building within the Christian community. It highlights the importance of extending kindness, love, and encouragement to others, even when physically separated. Through the farewell greeting, John conveys his genuine concern for Gaius' spiritual well-being, affirms their shared faith, and strengthens their bond as fellow believers.