What does 3 John 1:11 mean?
ESV: Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
NIV: Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
NASB: Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does what is good is of God; the one who does what is evil has not seen God.
CSB: Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
NLT: Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.
KJV: Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
NKJV: Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
Verse Commentary:
In verse 11, John summarizes the proper response to dealing with evil, such as the works of Diotrephes (3 John 1:9–10). First, he warns not to imitate evil, but good. These words resemble Paul's from Romans 12:21. Evil exists, but it's not something believers should join, or mimic. Instead, believers are to imitate what is good, and overcome evil that way. This includes avoiding things like violence, revenge, or hate. Instead, we are to use forgiveness, love, and truth. Second, doing good deeds is evidence of a person's Christian faith. While only God sees the heart, and knows who is truly saved, those who do good show evidence of salvation. Those who do evil things are giving evidence that they are lost.
Verse Context:
Third John 1:11–14 (15) encourages Gaius to follow good examples. In the previous verses, John condemned the actions of a man named Diotrephes. Rather than being arrogant and unwelcoming, Gaius is to follow those who seem to have “seen God.” One of these may be Demetrius, who is mentioned immediately afterwards. Third John not only emphasizes “truth,” but the importance of copying godly behaviors, not evil ones. This passage concludes his letter.
Chapter Summary:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Chapter Context:
Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.
Book Summary:
Third John consists of just one chapter. This is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow believer, Gaius. “Truth” is mentioned six times in this book's brief 15 verses. Gaius is praised for his commitment to Christian service. At the same time, John condemns the actions of Diotrephes, a church member causing problems. After mentioning the good reputation of a man named Demetrius, John closes his letter in the hope of coming to see Gaius face-to-face. This upcoming meeting seems to be why the letter is so short.
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
