3 John 1:11

Beloved, 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.

Study Bible

Beloved
This term of endearment, "Beloved," is translated from the Greek word "ἀγαπητός" (agapētos), which signifies someone who is dearly loved or cherished. In the context of early Christian communities, it reflects the deep, familial love that believers are to have for one another, rooted in the love of Christ. This word sets the tone for the exhortation that follows, reminding the reader of their identity as loved ones in the faith.

do not imitate
The Greek word "μιμέομαι" (mimeomai) is used here, meaning to mimic or follow as an example. In the Greco-Roman world, imitation was a common method of learning and moral development. John is urging his readers to be discerning in whom they choose to emulate, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with the teachings of Christ rather than the corrupt practices of the world.

what is evil
The term "evil" is translated from the Greek "κακός" (kakos), which refers to that which is morally wrong or wicked. In the biblical context, evil is often associated with actions and attitudes that are contrary to God's nature and commandments. The early church faced many challenges from false teachers and immoral influences, making this warning particularly relevant.

but what is good
The word "good" comes from the Greek "ἀγαθός" (agathos), which denotes that which is inherently good, beneficial, or virtuous. This aligns with the biblical understanding of goodness as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a reflection of God's character. Believers are called to pursue goodness as a testimony to their faith and as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

The one who does good
This phrase emphasizes action, indicating that true faith is demonstrated through righteous deeds. The Greek verb "ποιέω" (poieō) implies ongoing, habitual action. In the Christian life, doing good is not a one-time event but a continuous practice that stems from a heart transformed by God's grace.

is of God
The phrase "is of God" signifies a relationship and origin. The Greek preposition "ἐκ" (ek) indicates source or origin, suggesting that those who do good are born of God and reflect His nature. This echoes the Johannine theme of being born again (John 3:3) and living as children of God (1 John 3:1).

the one who does evil
In contrast, this phrase highlights the actions of those who are not aligned with God's will. The repetition of the verb "ποιέω" (poieō) underscores the habitual nature of their actions. In the biblical worldview, consistent evil behavior is indicative of a life not submitted to God's authority.

has not seen God
The phrase "has not seen God" uses the Greek verb "ὁράω" (horaō), which can mean to see with the eyes or to perceive and understand. In this context, it implies a lack of spiritual insight or relationship with God. To "see" God is to know Him intimately and to be transformed by that knowledge. Those who persist in evil demonstrate that they have not truly encountered the living God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of the letter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.

2. Gaius
The recipient of the letter, a beloved member of the early Christian community, commended for his faithfulness and hospitality.

3. Diotrephes
Mentioned earlier in the letter as someone who loves to be first and does not acknowledge the authority of John, representing the "evil" that should not be imitated.

4. Demetrius
Another individual mentioned in the letter, who is well spoken of and serves as an example of someone doing good.

5. The Early Church
The broader context in which this letter was written, dealing with issues of leadership, authority, and the behavior of believers.

Teaching Points

Imitation as a Form of Discipleship
As believers, we are called to imitate Christ and those who exemplify His character. This involves a conscious choice to follow good examples and reject evil influences.

Discernment in Leadership
The early church faced challenges with leaders like Diotrephes. We must discern and follow leaders who align with biblical truth and demonstrate godly character.

The Evidence of True Faith
Doing good is evidence of being "of God." Our actions reflect our relationship with God and our understanding of His nature.

The Danger of Spiritual Blindness
Those who do evil have "not seen God," indicating a lack of spiritual insight and relationship with Him. We must seek to know God deeply to avoid spiritual blindness.

Community and Accountability
The Christian community plays a vital role in encouraging good and holding each other accountable. We should foster environments where good is celebrated and evil is challenged.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we practically discern between good and evil in our daily lives, and what role does Scripture play in this process?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are imitating Christ and not the negative influences around us?

3. How does the example of Gaius and Demetrius inspire us to live out our faith in our communities?

4. What steps can we take to address and correct behaviors in our church communities that resemble those of Diotrephes?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper relationship with God to ensure that our actions reflect His goodness and not spiritual blindness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 John 3:10
This verse discusses the distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil, emphasizing the importance of doing righteousness and loving one's brother.

Matthew 7:17-20
Jesus teaches about recognizing people by their fruits, which aligns with the idea of imitating good and not evil.

Romans 12:9
Paul instructs believers to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good, reinforcing the message of 3 John 1:11.

1 Peter 3:11
Encourages believers to turn away from evil and do good, seeking peace and pursuing it.

James 1:22
Stresses the importance of being doers of the word and not hearers only, which relates to the active choice of imitating good.