Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
I would not write. A heart full of love pours itself out more freely face to face than by letter.
Paper - of Egyptian papyrus. Pens were then reeds split.
Ink - made of soot and water, thickened with gum. Parchment was used for permanent manuscripts, in which the letters were preserved. Writing tablets were used merely for temporary purposes, as slates.
Face to face - literally, 'mouth to mouth.'
Full, х pepleeroomenee (G4137)] - 'filled full.' Your joy will be complete in hearing from me in person the joyful Gospel truths which I now defer communicating until I see you. In 1 John 1:4, his writing was for the same purpose.