3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy In the Greek -greater" is put first for emphasis, and this is worth preserving; Greater joy have I none than this. -Joy" should perhaps rather be grace (χάριν) i.e. favour from God. The Greek for -greater" is a double comparative (μειζοτέραν), like -lesser" in English. In Ephesians 3:8 we have a comparative superlative. Such things belong to the later stage of a language, when ordinary forms are losing their strength. -Than this" is literally -than these," where -these" either means -these joys," or more likely -these things," viz. the frequent reports of the brethren. Comp. John 15:13.

to hear that my children walk in truth Better, as R. V., to hear of my children walking in the truth. Similarly in Acts 7:12; -When Jacob heard of corn being in Egypt." -My children" means in particular members of the Churches in Asia which were under S. John's Apostolic care.