From melas (black). Denotes ink — the black writing fluid used for manuscripts. Appears in Paul's and John's letters when they speak of preferring personal visit over written correspondence.
John writes: 'I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face' (2 John 1:12). Paul similarly preferred personal presence. This reveals that the early church valued personal relationship over mere written communication. The letters of the NT were not cold documents but expressions of deep love from apostles who longed to be physically present with their churches.