TRV
“The Opposition of Diotrephes”· 3 John 1:9–11
Translation
King James Version
Wherefore, 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.
KJV (with Strong's)
Wherefore G1223 G5124, if G1437 I come G2064, I will remember G5279 his G846 deeds G2041 which G3739 he doeth G4160, prating against G5396 us G2248 with malicious G4190 words G3056: and G2532 not G3361 content G714 therewith G1909 G5125, neither G3777 doth G1926 he himself G846 receive G1926 the brethren G80, and G2532 forbiddeth G2967 them that would G1014, and G2532 casteth G1544 them out of G1537 the church G1577.
Complete Jewish Bible
So if I come, I will bring up everything he is doing, including his spiteful and groundless gossip about us. And as if that weren’t enough for him, he refuses to recognize the brothers’ authority either; moreover, he stops those who want to do so and tries to drive them out of the congregation!
Berean Standard Bible
So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.
American Standard Version
Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church.
World English Bible Messianic
Therefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore if I come, I will call to your remembrance his deedes which he doeth, pratling against vs with malicious wordes, and not therewith content, neither he himselfe receiueth the brethren, but forbiddeth them that woulde, and thrusteth them out of the Church.
Young's Literal Translation
because of this, if I may come, I will cause him to remember his works that he doth, with evil words prating against us; and not content with these, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and those intending he doth forbid, and out of the assembly he doth cast.
In the KJVVerse 30,669 of 31,102 · 98.6%
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Study This Verse
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
Three Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Early Medieval
8009001000
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
He acts, talking against us with malicious words. It should be noted that we should not arouse the tongues of detractors by our fault, lest they perish, but we should equally bear those that are incited by their own malice, so that merit may increase for us; sometimes, however, we should also curb them, lest while they disseminate evil about us, they corrupt the hearts of the innocent who could have heard good things. Hence John reproved the tongue of his detractor, lest those who could have listened might not hear his preaching and remain in their wrong ways.
For this reason, if I come, I will bring up his deeds. That is, by openly reproving, I will bring his works to the knowledge of all. Just like the apostle Paul said: "What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod?"
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will bring to light the works he is doing, gossiping wickedly about us. And not content with that, he not only does not receive the brothers himself, but also forbids those who want to receive them and expels them from the congregation.
"I will bring to light the works he is doing." If it is commanded that evil should not be repaid with evil (Rom. 12:17), what is it that he now threatens? Therefore, we say that this command is so that we do not repay evil to him who has sinned only against ourselves: For if it is a sin against us, and it brings an obstacle to faith, it should be referred to such, as Paul did to Elymas who was perverting the ways of the Lord. (Acts 13:10)
"gossiping wickedly." That is, throwing insults and cursing.
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
Third John 1:10 reveals the Apostle John's firm resolve to address the disruptive and divisive actions of Diotrephes, a leader within the church who sought preeminence. Diotrephes not only slandered John and his associates with malicious words but also refused to welcome itinerant Christian brethren, actively forbade others from extending hospitality, and even expelled those who did, demonstrating a profound abuse of authority and a stark departure from Christian values of humility, hospitality, and unity.
Context
Literary Context
Third John is a deeply personal letter, one of the shortest books in the New Testament, written by the Apostle John to his beloved friend Gaius. The letter primarily serves to commend Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality, particularly towards traveling missionaries, and to warn him about the destructive behavior of Diotrephes. Verse 3 John 1:10 is central to John's critique of Diotrephes, detailing his specific offenses. It follows John's commendation of Gaius and his implicit contrast with Diotrephes's uncharitable spirit. John's statement, "if I come, I will remember his deeds," signifies his apostolic authority and his intention to personally confront Diotrephes, ensuring accountability and protecting the welfare of the church and its mission. The verse sets the stage for John's subsequent commendation of Demetrius, who stands in stark contrast to Diotrephes's character.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the early church, hospitality was not merely a social courtesy but a vital theological and practical necessity. Itinerant preachers, evangelists, and teachers relied on the generosity of local believers for lodging, food, and support as they spread the gospel. House churches were the primary gathering places, making the welcome (or rejection) of visitors a significant act. Diotrephes's actions directly undermined this crucial network of support. His desire for "preeminence" (mentioned in 3 John 1:9) reflects a struggle for authority within the nascent Christian communities, where local leaders sometimes challenged the authority of the apostles or their appointed representatives. Diotrephes's expulsion of members highlights the severe consequences of such power struggles, indicating an internal conflict that threatened the unity and mission of the early church.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within 3 John and the broader New Testament. It starkly contrasts true Christian leadership (modeled by John and Gaius) with abusive authority and self-promotion (exemplified by Diotrephes). Diotrephes's actions underscore the dangers of pride and ambition within the church, which can lead to division and undermine the gospel message. The refusal of hospitality and the expulsion of believers highlight the critical importance of Christian hospitality and fellowship as foundational expressions of love and unity within the body of Christ, a theme echoed in passages like Romans 12:13 and Hebrews 13:2. Furthermore, Diotrephes's "malicious words" emphasize the destructive power of slander and gossip and the need for believers to speak truth in love, as taught in Ephesians 4:29. John's resolve to confront Diotrephes also reinforces the theme of apostolic authority and church discipline for the preservation of sound doctrine and healthy community.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (G5396) describes the act of being a "babbler or trifler," implying idle or mischievous speech. In Diotrephes's case, it denotes his slanderous and disruptive communication against John and his associates, highlighting words that are not only baseless but also harmful and ill-intentioned, designed to discredit and undermine.
Means "to admit (as a guest or (figuratively) teacher)." Diotrephes's refusal to "receive" the brethren underscores his profound lack of Christian hospitality and his rejection of those associated with apostolic ministry, directly violating the early church's practice of welcoming itinerant evangelists and fellow believers.
This verb (G1544) signifies "to eject (literally or figuratively)," "to drive out," or "to expel." Diotrephes's extreme action of "casting out" those who showed hospitality to John's messengers reveals his tyrannical control and willingness to divide the church to maintain his preeminence, acting as an unauthorized form of excommunication.
Verse Breakdown
"Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words:"
John asserts his apostolic authority and his intention to personally address Diotrephes's misconduct. The phrase "remember his deeds" indicates a forthcoming confrontation and accountability. Diotrephes's primary offense here is his verbal abuse, characterized as "prating against us with malicious words," suggesting baseless, idle, yet deeply harmful slander aimed at John and his fellow missionaries.
"and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren,"
This clause highlights Diotrephes's insatiable desire for control and his active opposition to the apostolic mission. Beyond mere slander, he personally refuses to extend hospitality to the traveling Christian brethren, who were likely John's emissaries or those approved by him. This demonstrates a clear rejection of Christian fellowship and the practical support essential for evangelism.
"and forbiddeth them that would,"
Diotrephes's abuse of power extends beyond his own actions. He actively prevents other members of the church from showing hospitality to the brethren. This reveals his coercive control over the congregation, stifling the charitable impulses of genuine believers and enforcing his own anti-apostolic agenda.
"and casteth [them] out of the church."
This is the most severe accusation. Diotrephes takes punitive action against those who defy his authority by showing hospitality to John's messengers. His act of "casting out" implies an unauthorized excommunication, demonstrating an extreme level of control and a willingness to divide the church over his personal agenda, rather than fostering unity and love.
Literary Devices
The Apostle John employs Characterization to vividly portray Diotrephes as a negative example of leadership. Through a series of escalating actions—slandering, refusing hospitality, forbidding others from showing hospitality, and finally expelling members—John paints a clear picture of a self-serving, prideful, and tyrannical individual. This detailed characterization serves as an Exemplum, providing a cautionary tale for the church about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the abuse of spiritual authority. The stark contrast between Diotrephes's behavior and the commendation of Gaius and Demetrius further emphasizes the ethical and theological principles John advocates.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Diotrephes's actions in 3 John 1:10 offer profound theological insights into the nature of true Christian leadership, community, and the dangers of spiritual pride. His desire for preeminence, slanderous speech, and rejection of hospitality stand in stark contrast to the servant leadership modeled by Christ and taught by the apostles. The passage underscores that genuine authority in the church is not about control or personal gain, but about humble service, love, and fostering unity. It also highlights the importance of discerning leadership and the necessity of addressing divisive behavior, sometimes through firm apostolic or pastoral intervention, to protect the integrity and mission of the church.
Reflection and Application
The account of Diotrephes serves as a timeless warning for the church in every generation. It calls us to examine the heart of leadership, ensuring that those in positions of influence genuinely serve Christ and His people, rather than seeking personal prominence or control. We are challenged to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in selfless service, not in wielding power. This passage also reminds us of the destructive power of the tongue, urging believers to guard against gossip, slander, and malicious speech, and instead to use our words to build up, encourage, and speak truth in love. Furthermore, it reinforces the enduring call to Christian hospitality, reminding us to open our homes and hearts to fellow believers and strangers, reflecting the welcoming nature of God. Finally, it prompts us to discern and address divisive behaviors within our communities, upholding unity and protecting the vulnerable, even when it requires difficult confrontation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Diotrephes, and why was he problematic for the Apostle John?
Diotrephes was a leader within a local church, mentioned by the Apostle John in his third epistle. He was problematic because he sought "preeminence" (3 John 1:9), meaning he desired to be the most important figure and exert control. His actions included slandering John and his associates with "malicious words," refusing to welcome traveling Christian missionaries, actively forbidding other church members from showing hospitality to them, and even expelling those who did. He represented an abuse of authority, a lack of Christian love and hospitality, and a challenge to apostolic authority, causing division within the church.
What is the significance of Diotrephes's refusal to "receive the brethren" and "casteth them out of the church"?
In the early church, hospitality was crucial for the spread of the gospel, as itinerant preachers and missionaries relied on believers for support. Diotrephes's refusal to "receive the brethren" (G1926, epidéchomai) directly violated this vital practice, indicating a rejection of those associated with John's ministry and a lack of Christian fellowship. His act of "casting them out of the church" (G1544, ekbállō) was an extreme abuse of power. It suggests an unauthorized excommunication, demonstrating his tyrannical control and willingness to divide the community to maintain his own preeminence, rather than fostering unity and love among believers. This action was a severe breach of Christian conduct and a direct challenge to the authority of the Apostle John.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The egregious actions of Diotrephes in 3 John 1:10 stand in stark contrast to the perfect example of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of true leadership, hospitality, and unity. While Diotrephes sought preeminence, Jesus taught and embodied servant leadership, declaring that "whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). Unlike Diotrephes's malicious words, Christ's speech was always gracious and truth-filled, bringing healing and life, as prophesied in Isaiah 50:4. Where Diotrephes closed his doors and heart, Jesus consistently extended radical hospitality and welcome to all, even to sinners and outcasts, inviting them into fellowship with God (Luke 15:1-2). His mission was to gather, not to scatter, to unite, not to divide (John 11:52). Furthermore, Diotrephes's act of casting out believers is antithetical to Christ's promise that "whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37). Ultimately, the division and pride exemplified by Diotrephes are overcome by Christ's sacrificial death, which broke down "the dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14) and reconciled humanity to God and to one another, establishing a new community founded on love and humility.