The Many Other Significant 3:16 Verses

When “3:16” is mentioned as a Bible verse, most of us think of John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” That verse contains a powerful message to be sure. But the New Testament has many other “3:16” verses that are also powerful. These speak of significant blessings or stern warnings.

In fact, only a few books of the New Testament Bible are without a strong “3:16” verse. Romans for one. Titus, Chapter 3 is too short to have a 16th verse as is 1st Thessalonians. The Book of Philemon has only one chapter and 2nd John, 3rd John and Jude are all so brief they don't have a third chapter or verse sixteen.

But let's explore the other New Testament books with a “3:16” verse and neighboring verses that are significant.

Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.

Jesus was Baptized and some say “ordained” in public by God at that very moment. Jesus was following and fulfilling the law of Moses. When God saw this Baptism, a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Now Mohammad, on the other hand, had his vision of grandeur alone and isolated away in a dark cave, where he claimed sanctification by an angel speaking for God. Even if we grant that an angel may have spoken there, was this a 'Good Angel' or just an evil manifestation of an angel by a demon? Remember, one-third of the angels chose to follow Satan and became evil spirits. Satan likes to do things in dark isolation. Satan has been granted dominion over the earth and allowed to roam like a lion until the second coming of Jesus.

Mark 3:16 Here Jesus starts to name his disciples by saying: “These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter).” Which Mark completes in the next couple of verses. James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Luke 3:16 John (the Baptist) answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Here we have John explaining his baptism and the One who truly Baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. And the next few verses go on to explain the blessings and the warning: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Acts 3:16 “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” Peter was referring to the crippled beggar Peter, himself, took by the hand and instantly the beggar's feet and ankles became strong. Here we have proof of a miracle accomplished by an Apostle in the Name of Jesus. For in the preceding Verses 3:6-10 Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

1st Corinthians 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? Then the next verse provides another warning. “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”