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Proverbs 23:24
The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wisechild shall have joy of him.

that.

Isaiah 8:18
Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given meare for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

1 Corinthians 4:15
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yethave ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Galatians 4:19
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

walk.

1 Kings 2:4
That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.

1 Kings 3:6
And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, asit is this day.

2 Kings 20:3
I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have donethat which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

than to hear
John's joy is based on the reports he receives about the believers. In the early church, communication was primarily through letters and messengers, making such reports significant. This highlights the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ. The early church relied on these reports to maintain unity and encourage one another, as seen in other epistles where Paul and others express similar sentiments (1 Thessalonians 3:6-9).

that my children
The term "children" is a term of endearment and spiritual relationship. John is likely referring to those he has led to faith or discipled, indicating a close, familial bond. This reflects the biblical model of spiritual parenthood, where mature believers nurture and guide younger believers in their faith journey. Paul uses similar language in his letters, referring to Timothy as his "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2).

are walking in the truth
"Walking" implies a continuous, active lifestyle, not just a one-time decision. It suggests a daily commitment to living according to God's truth, which is a central theme in John's writings. Truth, in this context, refers to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles, as well as living a life that reflects those teachings. This phrase underscores the importance of both orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxy (right practice). The concept of walking in truth is echoed in other scriptures, such asEphesians 5:8-10, where believers are called to live as children of light.

John opens his statement with an unmistakable declaration of delight. He is not talking about a mild smile, but about the highest human satisfaction he can name.

• Scripture shows this same heart in other servants of God. Paul wrote, “For now we live, if you are standing firm in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:8).

• Likewise, the wisdom writer says, “The father of a righteous man will greatly rejoice” (Proverbs 23:24).

• Heaven itself echoes this emotion: “There is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

John’s joy springs from witnessing tangible evidence of spiritual health, not from personal comfort or position.

John’s knowledge of the situation comes by report. The verb hints at ongoing news—he keeps hearing good things.

• Testimony matters; a faithful reputation travels (cf.3 John 1:3).

• Paul experienced similar encouragement when “Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love” (1 Thessalonians 3:6).

• Reliable witnesses confirm whether a walk matches one’s words (Proverbs 25:25).

John gladly receives these reports because they validate that the gospel he taught is bearing fruit.

Here “children” are spiritual sons and daughters—believers whose faith John helped nurture.

• Paul used the same family language: “I became your father through the gospel” (1 Corinthians 4:15).

• He treated the Thessalonians “as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

• Scripture repeatedly portrays the church as a household (Ephesians 2:19).

John’s paternal tone underscores both affection and responsibility; he longs for their maturity as any father would.

The climax is not that they merely know the truth but that they are living it.

• Earlier John wrote, “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth” (2 John 1:4).

• Genuine faith always moves the feet: “If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light…we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:6-7).

• “I, the LORD, have walked in faithfulness” sets God’s own pattern (Psalm 26:3).

Walking indicates continuous, habitual action. “The truth” is not a shifting concept but the unchanging revelation of God in Christ (John 14:6). To walk in it is to conform daily choices, relationships, and attitudes to that revelation.

John’s exclamation in3 John 1:4 flows from a shepherd’s heart: nothing thrills him more than hearing that those he loves are consistently living out the gospel they believe. The report of their faithful walk confirms the power of God’s Word, validates John’s ministry, and models the goal for every believer—ongoing, obedient life in the unchanging truth of Scripture.

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