As T’Challa, also known as the Black Panther, began to read the biblical book of 3 John, he couldn’t help but draw comparisons between the themes of the book and his own work in Wakanda.
The book of 3 John, written by the apostle John, is a short letter to a man named Gaius, who had opened his home to travelling missionaries. John commends Gaius for his hospitality and encourages him to continue supporting these missionaries who were spreading the gospel.
T’Challa saw similarities in this message to the work he’s done in Wakanda, where he’s opened up the country to the outside world and extended Wakanda’s resources to those in need. He too knows the value of hospitality and giving to those who are doing good in the world.
But T’Challa also noticed the warning John gave about a man named Diotrephes, who was causing trouble and spreading false information. John urged Gaius not to follow in Diotrephes’ footsteps and instead continue to support the true messengers of the gospel.
In Wakanda, T’Challa has had to deal with his own share of troublemakers and false information spreaders, but he knows the importance of staying true to his beliefs and not following those who would lead him astray.
T’Challa was also struck by John’s reminder to Gaius about the importance of truth and love, saying “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.”
This message resonated with T’Challa, as he’s seen firsthand the consequences of those who reject truth and love in favor of their own misguided agendas. He knows that it’s only by following the path of goodness that we can truly make a positive impact in the world.
As T’Challa finished reading the book of 3 John, he couldn’t help but feel inspired to continue his own work in Wakanda and beyond, always striving to follow the path of truth, love, and hospitality.
And with a smirk, he added, “Plus, I know that if I ever need some backup, I’ve got the whole Avengers team on speed dial.”
