TRV
“The Opposition of Diotrephes”· 3 John 1:9–11
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
Dear friend, don’t imitate the bad, but the good. Those who do what is good are from God; those who do what is bad are not from God.
Berean Standard Bible
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.
American Standard Version
Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
World English Bible Messianic
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Beloued, follow not that which is euill, but that which is good: he that doeth well, is of God: but he that doeth euill, hath not seene God.
Young's Literal Translation
Beloved, be not thou following that which is evil, but that which is good; he who is doing good, of God he is, and he who is doing evil hath not seen God;
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 3 John 1:9–11.
Passage under comment3 John 1:9–11
9¶ I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11Beloved, 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.
I.Diotrephes, unlike Gaius, loved preeminence and refused apostolic authority, spreading malicious words.
He did not accept John’s letter and discouraged others from showing hospitality, casting them out of the church. John warns that he will address this behavior when he visits. II. John cautions against following Diotrephes’ evil example and encourages believers to imitate what is good, for those who do good are of God, while those who do evil have not seen God.
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Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
And if I glance around at their examples-(examples) of some David heaping up marriages for himself even through sanguinary means, of some Solomon rich in wives as well as in other riches-you are bidden to "follow the better things; " and you have withal Joseph but once wedded, and on this score I venture to say better than his father; you have Moses, the intimate eye-witness of God; you have Aaron the chief priest.
Light has nothing in common with darkness, and there is no agreement between Christ and Belial. The person who does good has Christ, the true light, and not darkness or Belial. But the person who does evil is from Belial and darkness and has not seen God or had any knowledge of him.
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He reveals that he desires him to imitate what is good by adding:
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
"do not imitate what is evil." Since there is no unity of light with darkness, nor any unity between Christ and Belial (2 Cor. 6:14), it is not appropriate for one who has been illuminated by the knowledge of Christ to mix with darkness through the imitation of the wicked, or through their lustful and shameless works. For just as he who does good is from God, and has composed the eye of his understanding in the light of that knowledge, and thus is wholly light, and sees God, who is true light, and is seen by others as a luminary in the world (Phil. 2:15), sustaining the Word of life; so also he who does evil, walking in darkness, cannot see God, that is, cannot do the things that are of God, nor can he be seen by others, if he rebukes or corrects anyone: but all hate and abominate him, according to that wise oracle: "I have hated iniquity and have abominated it." (Ps. 118:163 LXX)
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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Summary
The Apostle John, in his third epistle, delivers a profound moral imperative in this verse, urging believers to actively imitate goodness and reject evil. It establishes a fundamental principle of Christian conduct, asserting that righteous living is an outward manifestation of a genuine relationship with God, while persistent evil reveals a lack of true spiritual knowledge and communion with Him. The verse serves as a crucial criterion for discerning authentic faith and spiritual character.
Context
Literary Context
Third John is a highly personal letter from the Apostle John to his beloved friend, Gaius. The epistle primarily addresses issues of hospitality, truth, and authority within the early church. John commends Gaius for his faithful support of traveling missionaries, who were vital for spreading the Gospel. In stark contrast, John condemns Diotrephes, a self-aggrandizing leader who refused to welcome missionaries, slandered the apostles, and excommunicated those who showed hospitality. Against this backdrop of contrasting behaviors—Gaius's Christ-like hospitality versus Diotrephes's ungodly arrogance—3 John 1:11 functions as a general, overarching principle. It implicitly highlights the spiritual chasm between Gaius's actions, which demonstrate a true knowledge of God, and Diotrephes's actions, which betray a profound spiritual blindness, even within the church. The verse serves as a moral compass, guiding Gaius and the readers to discern true spiritual character through observable conduct.
Historical & Cultural Context
The early Christian movement relied heavily on itinerant missionaries and teachers who traveled from city to city, often dependent on the hospitality of believers. Providing lodging, food, and financial support for these "fellow workers for the truth" (as mentioned in 3 John 1:8) was a vital expression of Christian fellowship and a practical means of advancing the Gospel. In this context, Diotrephes's refusal of hospitality and his attempts to control the church by excommunicating those who welcomed missionaries were not merely social slights but direct affronts to apostolic authority and the very mission of the church. The concept of "seeing God" or "knowing God" was deeply rooted in Old Testament thought, where it often referred to an experiential, covenantal relationship rather than a literal physical sight (e.g., Exodus 33:18-23). John draws on this rich tradition, emphasizing that genuine spiritual insight and relationship with God are intrinsically linked to righteous living.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in John's writings. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Discernment and Truth, emphasizing that one's actions are the ultimate test of their spiritual allegiance and whether they genuinely walk in the truth, as highlighted throughout 3 John. Secondly, it reinforces the Divine Origin of Goodness, positing that doing good is not merely a moral choice but an outflow of one's spiritual parentage—being "of God." This connects strongly with the broader Johannine theme that true children of God are characterized by righteousness, as seen in 1 John 3:10. Thirdly, the verse addresses the theme of Spiritual Knowledge and Relationship, asserting that persistent evil indicates a profound lack of true experiential knowledge of God. This echoes John's consistent teaching that knowing God is demonstrated through obedience and love, not merely intellectual assent (e.g., 1 John 2:3-4). Finally, it touches upon the Importance of Conduct as Witness, implying that a believer's actions serve as a visible testimony to their spiritual state and relationship with God before the world and within the community.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb means "to imitate" or "to mimic." It implies a deliberate and active choice to pattern one's behavior after something or someone. Here, it is an imperative to actively emulate goodness, not merely to avoid evil passively. This calls for a dynamic pursuit of righteous character and actions.
This word describes something that is intrinsically good, beneficial, and morally excellent. It refers to a quality that is inherently valuable and serves a positive purpose. In this context, it encompasses actions, character, and outcomes that align with God's righteous nature.
While literally meaning "to stare at" or "to discern clearly" physically, in this theological context, it extends to a profound spiritual perception or experiential knowledge. To "not have seen God" means to lack a true, intimate, and transformative understanding or relationship with God, which would naturally lead to a life reflecting His character.
Verse Breakdown
"Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good."
John begins with an affectionate address, "Beloved" (Gaius, and by extension, all who love the truth), setting a pastoral tone. The core of this clause is a direct moral imperative: do not imitate or pattern your life after evil, but rather actively pursue and emulate that which is good. This is a call to intentional, proactive righteousness, not merely a passive avoidance of sin. It implies a conscious choice to align one's conduct with divine standards.
"He that doeth good is of God"
This clause establishes the source and nature of genuine goodness. The one who consistently practices good (G15, agathopoiéō, "to be a well-doer") demonstrates that their origin or spiritual parentage is "of God" (G1537 ek G2316 theós). This signifies that righteous living is not merely human effort but a natural outflow of a regenerated heart and a true relationship with God, reflecting His character and nature. It is an internal reality made manifest externally.
"but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."
This stark contrast reveals the spiritual consequence of persistent evil. The one who consistently practices evil (G2554, kakopoiéō, "to be a bad-doer") demonstrates a profound spiritual deficiency: they "have not seen God." As explored in the Key Word Analysis, "seen" here means a lack of true, experiential, and transformative knowledge or perception of God. It implies that genuine acquaintance with God's holy and loving character would inevitably lead to a rejection of evil, and thus, a life characterized by evil reveals an absence of such true spiritual sight.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. Contrast is the most prominent, setting "evil" against "good" and the one who "doeth good" against the one who "doeth evil," leading to diametrically opposed spiritual outcomes ("is of God" vs. "hath not seen God"). This stark opposition clarifies the moral choice and its profound implications. Parallelism is also evident in the balanced structure of the two halves of the verse, with the second half providing the theological rationale for the imperative in the first. The use of the Imperative ("follow not... but...") provides a direct command, emphasizing the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. Finally, the phrase "hath not seen God" functions as a Metaphor or an Idiom for a lack of true spiritual knowledge, understanding, or experiential relationship with God, rather than a literal physical sight. This metaphorical language powerfully conveys the spiritual blindness of those who persist in evil.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse encapsulates a profound theological truth: genuine faith is inextricably linked to righteous conduct. John consistently teaches that one's actions serve as a litmus test for their spiritual state and relationship with God. It is not merely about avoiding sin, but actively pursuing and embodying goodness, which flows from being "of God." Conversely, a life characterized by evil indicates a fundamental disconnect from God, a failure to truly "see" or experientially know Him in a transformative way. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on "fruit" as evidence of spiritual life and the understanding that true knowledge of God is demonstrated through obedience and love, not just intellectual assent.
Reflection and Application
For believers today, 3 John 1:11 serves as a timeless and vital reminder that our actions are not peripheral to our faith but are deeply indicative of our spiritual reality and relationship with God. It challenges us to move beyond mere theological assent to a vibrant, active pursuit of goodness in every sphere of life. This verse calls us to honest self-reflection, prompting us to examine whether our daily choices, attitudes, and behaviors genuinely reflect the character of the God we claim to know. Furthermore, it empowers us with a critical lens for discernment, urging us to evaluate others, especially those in positions of spiritual leadership, not merely by their words or charisma, but by the tangible "fruit" of their lives. Living out this truth means striving for holiness, actively seeking opportunities to do good, and allowing our lives to be a consistent, compelling testimony to the transformative power of God's presence within us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "hath not seen God" truly mean in this context?
The phrase "hath not seen God" (Greek: ou horáō) does not refer to a literal physical sight of God, which is impossible for humans in their mortal state (Exodus 33:20). Instead, it signifies a profound lack of true spiritual perception, intimate knowledge, or experiential relationship with God. It implies that one whose life is characterized by persistent evil has not genuinely apprehended or understood God's holy, loving, and righteous character. True knowledge of God is transformative and would naturally lead to a life that reflects His goodness, as seen in passages like 1 John 4:7-8. Therefore, to "not have seen God" means to be spiritually blind to His nature and to lack the intimate fellowship that produces righteous living.
Does this verse imply that salvation is earned by doing good works?
No, this verse does not teach salvation by works. Rather, it describes the evidence or fruit of a genuine relationship with God. John's broader theology, consistent with the New Testament, emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, true faith is never barren; it always produces good works as a natural and necessary outflow of a transformed heart. As James 2:17 states, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." So, "He that doeth good is of God" means that righteous actions are a characteristic mark of those who are truly born of God, demonstrating that they have indeed "seen" and truly know Him.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The imperative to "follow that which is good" finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "Good One," the very Son of God who perfectly mirrored the Father's character in all His actions and teachings. Jesus consistently "did good" (Acts 10:38), demonstrating divine goodness through His healing, teaching, and sacrificial love. He is the Truth and the Light of the World, revealing God to humanity in a way no one else could. Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ not only redeems us from the power of evil but also empowers us, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to "follow that which is good." We are called to imitate Christ's example (Philippians 2:5-8), to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6), and to bear the fruit of the Spirit, which is inherently good (Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, "he that doeth good is of God" because it is Christ, living in and through the believer, who enables such a life, making us God's "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Ephesians 2:10). Conversely, those who persist in evil truly "have not seen God" because they have not encountered or embraced the transformative light and truth revealed in Jesus Christ.