Albert Barnes Commentary 3 John 1:11

"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." — 3 John 1:11 (ASV)

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. There can be no doubt that in this exhortation the writer had Diotrephes particularly in mind, and that he intends to urge Gaius not to imitate his example. Diotrephes was a man of influence in the church, and although Gaius had shown that he was inclined to act independently, it was still appropriate to urge him not to be influenced by the example of anyone who did wrong. John wished to encourage him toward acts of liberal and generous hospitality.

He that doeth good is of God. He shows that he resembles God, for God continually does good (see the notes on 1 John 3:7).

He that doeth evil hath not seen God (see the notes on 1 John 1:8).

See the notes on 3 John 1:9.

See the notes on 3 John 1:10.

• The word "follow" can be understood as "imitate."
• For the term "not," see Psalm 37:27.
• For "He," see 1 John 3:6–9.