3 John 1:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

NIV: So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

NASB: For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with malicious words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brothers either, and he forbids those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

CSB: This is why, if I come, I will remind him of the works he is doing, slandering us with malicious words. And he is not satisfied with that! He not only refuses to welcome fellow believers, but he even stops those who want to do so and expels them from the church.

NLT: When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church.

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.

NKJV: Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

John clearly plans to come to Gaius's church, in person. His intent is to address the issue of Diotrephes mentioned in verse 9. Three more problems with this man are brought up. Diotrephes is a gossip, slandering the apostle John and others. Second, Diotrephes rejects the same traveling Christians whom Gaius supported (3 John 1:5). This malicious lack of hospitality was seen as a sin. Third, Diotrephes wants total control of church leadership. Anyone who opposes his decisions is threatened with being thrown out of the church. These traits are dangerous, and unacceptable, in one who claims to be a leader in the church.

Third John 1:9–10 condemns the behavior of a man named Diotrephes. Power and prestige were more important to this man than truth. His actions are the exact opposite of Gaius, to whom the letter is written. John praises Gaius for his hospitality, but seems eager to see Diotrephes face-to-face, so he can counter his harmful conduct. Preaching the truth sometimes involves countering those who corrupt it.

Third John is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow Christian, Gaius. John emphasizes the importance of “truth,” which is mentioned a half-dozen times. The passage highlights the need for Christians to support each other, so that missionaries and evangelists don’t depend on the support of non-believers. John’s words also speak against church leaders who are more interested in reputation and power than submission to the truth.

Third John consists of just one chapter. This is a short letter from the apostle John to a fellow believer, Gaius. “Truth” is mentioned six times in this book's brief 15 verses. Gaius is praised for his commitment to Christian service. At the same time, John condemns the actions of Diotrephes, a church member causing problems. After mentioning the good reputation of a man named Demetrius, John closes his letter in the hope of coming to see Gaius face-to-face. This upcoming meeting seems to be why the letter is so short.