Thank you for the interpretative question on 3 John 1:4, “In 3 John 1:4, what is meant by “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”?
The writer of the third epistle is viewed by Bible scholars as being the Apostle John. The context reveals that the author had received report about what is happening to one of the churches. He writes a personal letter to encourage Gaius and the believers that meet together.
Verses 1–4 says this, “The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (NIV).
John is encouraging Gaius, most likely a church leader. He commends Gaius for his testimony of walking in the truth. In verse 4, there is the implication that Gaius may have come to know the Lord through him and or have been taught by him in being a follower of Jesus Christ. John views Gaius as one of his children who is holding onto the teaching that he has received from him.
Among the distraction, attraction, or persecution in this world, John rejoices that there are still believers who remained faithful to what has been taught. They have not abandoned or compromised the Faith. John notes another church leader, Diotrephes who does not have a heart and mind set of being a servant leader, but rather wanting to be the leader with others serving him. This person was not walking in the truth. Thus, there is a contrast of conduct between the men.
The key phrase, walking in the truth, is paramount. It is following the teaching of Jesus as taught by the Apostles. The Apostles were commanded to make disciples of all nations, teaching what they had learned from their Lord and Teacher, Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18–19).
It is important to note that it is not just KNOWING the truth but LIVING OUT the truth. Knowledge puffs up but love builds up.
Summary: A Christian isn’t one who just knows the truth, but one who lives the truth.
-Kingston