The 3:16’s

I’d like to share a fun exercise I recently did that not only gave me pause, but blessed me. To give some context, quite a few years ago I was spending time in the book of I John. When I came across I John 3:16, a connection embedded itself in my heart and mind with the familiar voice of John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (I John 3:16).

The profound and parallel messages in those two verses, along with the simple connection of their address did such a quick work in me, that I dubbed them the “3:16’s.”

Then a few weeks back, I was reading a chapter in The Believer’s Authority by Andrew Wommack. The quote was: “Some folks come from a background where screaming, yelling, and throwing things were normal. There are plenty of families like that, but it’s not the way God wants us to be.” Then he noted James 3:16 in the KJV. My “3:16” connection was peaked, so I looked it up:

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

The unexpected dovetail made me smile and I tucked it away in my “3:16” file. Then, not long after that I Timothy 3:16 was highlighted:

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness. 

Indeed it is!

Now to be clear, I do not in any way do the numerology thing. Nor do I look for Bible coding or things related to that. But I really did enjoy the interlocking messages and order of these verses that Holy Spirit directed my attention to. It gave me a perspective I didn’t previously have, and still makes me smile.

That said, one day I became curious and looked up every “3:16” in the New Testament. Not all of them connected like the first four, nor did every book have a “3:16.” But it was fun seeing some connections, and each verse did give me a moment of pause - blessing me. And yes, I’m going to share all of them with you. ;)

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him (Matthew 3:16).

John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16).

And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all (Acts 3:16).

Do you know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (I Corinthians 3:16).

Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (II Corinthians 3:16).

Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ (Galatians 3:16).

…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16).

Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind (Philippians 3:16).

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16).

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all (II Thessalonians 3:16).

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (II Timothy 3:16).

…having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed (I Peter 3:16).

Honestly, the “3:16’s” rock! Even when having fun, God’s Word is so alive and powerful, and is an absolute joy to explore. The truth is, we will never be able to come to the end of all that He intends for us.

For God so loved the world that He gave…

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us…

© Tawna Wilkinson 2025