3 John 1:11-14

¹¹ Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

¹² Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.

¹³ I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;

¹⁴ 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.

He who does good (v.11) — tense indicates habitual good, not a specific act

Demetrius (v.12) — Possibly he was the bearer of this letter. The suggestion that this is the Demetrius of Acts 19:24 is mere conjecture and improbable. — Vine, page 126.

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from the truth (v.12) — His life corresponded to the truth of Scripture and therefore was directed by “the Spirit of Truth” (1 John 5:6), the truth thus vindicating his conduct. … There was a threefold testimony to Demetrius [“from all,” “from the truth,” and from John (“we also”)] — Vine, page 127.

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pen (v.13) — A reed (which has several meanings) is used of a writing reed or pen here only. It was used for writing on papyrus and leather. — Vine, page 127.

shortly (v.14) = straightway (sooner than “shortly”)

by name (v.14) — individually