3 John 1:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.

NIV: I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us.

NASB: I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.

CSB: I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have first place among them, does not receive our authority.

NLT: I wrote to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader, refuses to have anything to do with us.

KJV: I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

NKJV: I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.

Verses 9 and 10 transition from praise of Gaius and godly teachers, to a condemnation of the actions of Diotrephes. According to this verse, John had written about him at least once before. However, the problem had continued. Diotrephes offers an example of an ungodly leader in two ways. First, he was prideful. He may have begun as an encouraging leader, yet let leadership go to his head. Second, Diotrephes did not acknowledge the leadership of other godly people. Instead of serving as one among a team of leaders, he sought to be the only leader. He went so far as to speak and work against other leaders he saw as a threat to his position (3 John 1:10).

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.

Accessed 5/8/2024 4:43:30 PM