3 John 1:10

KJV

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.

Commentary

### 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](/3_john/1-10 "3 John 1:10 - Diotrephes' Malicious Deeds") 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](/3_john/1-9 "3 John 1:9 - Diotrephes' Desire for Preeminence")) 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](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality") and [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Hospitality to Strangers"). 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](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech"). 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
* **prating against (Greek, _phlyaréō_):** 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.
* **receive (Greek, _epidéchomai_):** (G1926) 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.
* **casteth out (Greek, _ekbállō_):** 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](/3_john/1-10 "3 John 1:10 - Diotrephes' Malicious Deeds") 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.

* [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Servant Leadership")
* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Unity")

### 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
* **How might Diotrephes's desire for "preeminence" manifest in leadership dynamics within churches today, and how can we guard against it?**
* **In what ways can "malicious words" or "prating against" undermine the unity and mission of a Christian community, and how can we promote edifying speech?**
* **What practical steps can individual believers and churches take to cultivate a culture of genuine Christian hospitality, especially towards those who are new or in need?**
* **When is it appropriate for church leaders to exercise firm discipline or confront divisive behavior, and what principles should guide such actions?**

### FAQ

**Who was Diotrephes, and why was he problematic for the Apostle John?**

Answer: 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"?**

Answer: 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](/3_john/1-10 "3 John 1:10 - Diotrephes' Malicious Deeds") 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](/matthew/20-26 "Matthew 20:26 - Jesus Teaches Servant Leadership")). Unlike Diotrephes's malicious words, Christ's speech was always gracious and truth-filled, bringing healing and life, as prophesied in [Isaiah 50:4](/isaiah/50-4 "Isaiah 50:4 - The Tongue of the Taught"). 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](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). His mission was to gather, not to scatter, to unite, not to divide ([John 11:52](/john/11-52 "John 11:52 - Jesus Dies to Gather God's Children")). 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](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - Jesus Will Not Cast Out Those Who Come to Him")). 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](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Dividing Walls")) and reconciled humanity to God and to one another, establishing a new community founded on love and humility.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 66:5

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

Proverbs 10:10

¶ He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

Luke 6:22

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

2 Corinthians 13:2

I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

John 9:34

They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

John 9:35

¶ Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

Proverbs 10:8

¶ The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.