3 John

3 John 1:11

Believers must imitate what reflects God's character because conduct reveals spiritual reality.

3 John 1:11 (WEB)

11 Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.

Central Idea

Believers must imitate what reflects God's character because conduct reveals spiritual reality.

Authorial Intent

To exhort believers to imitate what is good rather than evil and to affirm that moral conduct reveals one's relationship to God.

Historical Context

John's exhortation likely addresses the contrasting examples within the letter, encouraging believers to imitate faithful examples such as Gaius rather than the harmful conduct of figures like Diotrephes.

Chapter: 3 John 1

Walking in the Truth Through Faithful Hospitality

The truth of Christ must be walked, welcomed, defended, and embodied in humble fellowship rather than obstructed by prideful control.