3 John·Chapter 1

How to Apply

This week, pay attention to the influences around you. Who are you looking up to? Are they leading you towards good? Try setting a daily intention to do something positive—maybe it’s a kind word to someone, helping a friend, or even just being patient in a tough situation. Each day, challenge yourself to choose goodness in how you interact with others. You can even write down a few specific actions you want to take and hold yourself accountable. It’s about making those choices matter!

Chapter Context

In this chapter, there’s a lot going on with relationships and community dynamics. The writer is addressing some troubling behavior within a group of believers. Earlier, there were issues with someone named Diotrephes who was causing trouble by acting selfishly and rejecting others. This verse comes at a crucial moment where the author is urging you to choose wisely whom to follow. It’s almost a climax of tension—right after calling out the negativity, it shifts into this positive encouragement to imitate good. It’s like saying, 'Forget the drama! Focus on what truly matters.' This verse is the heart of that encouragement—it’s about choosing the right path amidst the chaos.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• beloved - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• not - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• imitate - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• evil - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• but - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• good - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• good - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• is - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• from - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• god - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What does it look like for you to actively choose good in your life today, and how can you be more aware of the influences around you?

Related Verses

• Romans 12:21 - This verse encourages you not to let evil conquer you, but instead to overcome evil with good.
• Philippians 4:8 - This verse reminds you to focus on things that are true, noble, and praiseworthy, which connects to the idea of choosing good.
• 1 Peter 3:9 - Here, you’re reminded to repay evil with blessing, reinforcing the importance of kindness over wrongdoing.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in 3 John 1:11. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Hospitality, Truth, Support for missionaries, Authority and leadership, Good vs. evil, Community unity, Personal relationships

Key Verses

3 John 1:2, 3 John 1:4, 3 John 1:9, 3 John 1:11, 3 John 1:14

Historical Context

Written around 85-95 AD, 3 John addresses issues within a local church, specifically concerning interpersonal relationships and the authority of church leaders. Diotrephes represents a challenge to the early church's unity and mission, refusing to welcome traveling evangelists, which was a common practice in the early Christian community. John's letter serves both as a commendation of Gaius's positive example and a warning against the divisive actions of Diotrephes, emphasizing the need for love and support within the church body.