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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>3 John 1:9 I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/64_3Jn_01_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="3 John 1:9 - Diotrephes and Demetrius" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but Diotrephes, the <i>one</i> loving to be first among them, does not welcome us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/3_john/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/3_john/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/3_john/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/3_john/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/3_john/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/3_john/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not welcome what we say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/3_john/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first, does not accept what we say <i>and</i> refuses to recognize my authority.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/3_john/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have first place among them, does not receive our authority.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/3_john/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have first place among them, does not receive us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/3_john/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/3_john/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I wrote to the church. But Diotrephes likes to be the number-one leader, and he won't pay any attention to us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/3_john/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/3_john/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I wrote a letter to the congregation. But Diotrephes, who loves to be in charge, won't accept us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/3_john/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I wrote a short letter to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to be their leader, will not pay any attention to what I say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/3_john/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I wrote a letter to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be in charge, will not recognize our authority.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/3_john/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/3_john/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not acknowledge us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/3_john/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/3_john/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/3_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I wrote to the Church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the first place among them, refuses to listen to us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/3_john/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/3_john/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I wrote to the assembly, but he who is loving to be first among them—Diotrephes—does not receive us;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/3_john/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />I have written something to the church; but Diotrephes, the <i>one</i> loving to be first among them, does not welcome us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/3_john/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I did write to the assembly, but he who is loving the first place among them -- Diotrephes -- doth not receive us;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/3_john/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, seeking the superiority over them, receives us not.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/3_john/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I had written perhaps to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, doth not receive us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/3_john/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />As it happens, I had written to the church. But Diotrephes, who loves to bear the highest rank among them, would not accept us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/3_john/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to dominate, does not acknowledge us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/3_john/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I have written something to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/3_john/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I wrote to the church, that Di-ot’re-phes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, would not receive us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/3_john/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />I desired to write to The Assembly, but he who loves to be their number one, Diotrephis, does not receive us. <div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/3_john/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />I wrote to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/3_john/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, loving the preeminence over them, does not receive us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/3_john/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who affects pre-eminence over them, receiveth us not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/3_john/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />I have writ to the church: but Diotrephes, who affects the superiority, has no regard to our representations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/3_john/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />I wrote to the Church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the first place among them, refuses to listen to us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/3_john/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />I wrote to the assembly; but Diotrephes, who loves to have preeminence among them, receives us not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/3_john/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who affects the pre-eminence among them, doth not receive us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/3_john/1-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9HTsCnSVEbc?start=62" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/3_john/1.htm">Diotrephes and Demetrius</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8</span>Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: Egrapsa (V-AIA-1S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">I have written</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/1577.htm" title="1577: ekklēsia (N-DFS) -- From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.">church</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">about this,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1361.htm" title="1361: Diotrephēs (N-NMS) -- Diotrephes. From the alternate of Zeus and trepho; Jove-nourished; Diotrephes, an opponent of Christianity.">Diotrephes,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/5383.htm" title="5383: philoprōteuōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From a compound of philos and protos; to be fond of being first, i.e. Ambitious of distinction.">loves to be first,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1926.htm" title="1926: epidechetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To accept, admit, welcome. From epi and dechomai; to admit (figuratively) teacher.">will not accept</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our instruction.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6-7</a></span><br />They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">1 Timothy 5:19-20</a></span><br />Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. / But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-1.htm">1 Corinthians 5:1-5</a></span><br />It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. / And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this? / Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-10.htm">2 Corinthians 10:10-11</a></span><br />For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account.” / Such people should consider that what we are in our letters when absent, we will be in our actions when present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-30.htm">Acts 20:30</a></span><br />Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-3.htm">1 Peter 5:3</a></span><br />not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-6.htm">1 Corinthians 4:6</a></span><br />Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_john/1-9.htm">2 John 1:9-10</a></span><br />Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. / If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm">1 Timothy 1:20</a></span><br />Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Galatians 2:11-14</a></span><br />When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. / For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group. / The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10-12</a></span><br />I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. / My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. / What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Romans 16:17-18</a></span><br />Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-18.htm">1 Corinthians 11:18-19</a></span><br />First of all, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. / And indeed, there must be differences among you to show which of you are approved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-14.htm">2 Timothy 4:14-15</a></span><br />Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. / You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.</p><p class="hdg">who loveth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">Matthew 20:20-28</a></b></br> Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping <i>him</i>, and desiring a certain thing of him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Matthew 23:4-8</a></b></br> For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay <i>them</i> on men's shoulders; but they <i>themselves</i> will not move them with one of their fingers… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/9-34.htm">Mark 9:34</a></b></br> But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who <i>should be</i> the greatest.</p><p class="hdg">receiveth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/3_john/1-8.htm">3 John 1:8</a></b></br> We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-40.htm">Matthew 10:40-42</a></b></br> He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/9-37.htm">Mark 9:37</a></b></br> Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_john/5-10.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/2_john/1-7.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/3_john/1-6.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/3_john/1-6.htm">Church</a> <a href="/3_john/1-2.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/2_john/1-6.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_john/2-14.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Preeminence</a> <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Pre-Eminence</a> <a href="/3_john/1-8.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/james/5-7.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/james/5-7.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">Refuses</a> <a href="/1_john/4-18.htm">Something</a> <a href="/2_john/1-12.htm">Write</a> <a href="/1_john/5-13.htm">Written</a> <a href="/2_john/1-5.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/14-23.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/revelation/3-5.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Church</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/jude/1-6.htm">First</a> <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Letter</a> <a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Preeminence</a> <a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Pre-Eminence</a> <a href="/3_john/1-10.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/revelation/2-17.htm">Receives</a> <a href="/revelation/2-17.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/revelation/2-21.htm">Refuses</a> <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Something</a> <a href="/3_john/1-13.htm">Write</a> <a href="/jude/1-4.htm">Written</a> <a href="/exodus/24-4.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">3 John 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-1.htm">He commends Gaius for his piety,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">and hospitality,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-7.htm">to true preachers;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary side;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-11.htm">whose evil example is not to be followed;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/3_john/1-12.htm">and gives special testimony to the good report of Demetrius.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/3_john/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/3_john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/3_john/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I have written to the church about this</b><br>This phrase indicates that the author, traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, had previously communicated with the church. The context suggests that John was addressing issues within the church, likely concerning leadership and hospitality. The early church often relied on letters for guidance and instruction, as the New Testament was still being formed. This reflects the apostolic authority that John held and his concern for the well-being and doctrinal purity of the church.<p><b>but Diotrephes, who loves to be first</b><br>Diotrephes is mentioned only here in the New Testament, and his behavior is characterized by a desire for preeminence. This reflects a common issue in early church communities where personal ambition could disrupt unity. The phrase "loves to be first" suggests a prideful attitude, which is contrary to the teachings of Christ, who emphasized humility and servanthood (<a href="/matthew/20-26.htm">Matthew 20:26-28</a>). Diotrephes' behavior can be seen as a warning against self-centered leadership within the church.<p><b>will not accept our instruction</b><br>This indicates a rejection of apostolic authority, which was crucial for maintaining doctrinal integrity in the early church. Diotrephes' refusal to accept instruction highlights a significant conflict, as the apostles were seen as the primary bearers of Christ's teachings. This rejection could lead to division and false teachings, which were common concerns in the early church (<a href="/2_peter/2.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a>). The situation with Diotrephes serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and respecting spiritual authority.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_apostle.htm">John the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/diotrephes.htm">Diotrephes</a></b><br>A leader in the early church who is characterized by his desire for preeminence and his rejection of apostolic authority.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a></b><br>The local congregation to which John wrote, likely a house church in Asia Minor, dealing with internal conflict and issues of authority.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_letter.htm">The Letter</a></b><br>A communication from John to the church, addressing issues of leadership and authority, and the behavior of Diotrephes.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostolic_authority.htm">Apostolic Authority</a></b><br>The authority given to the apostles by Christ to lead and instruct the early church, which Diotrephes is rejecting.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride_and_ambition.htm">The Danger of Pride and Ambition</a></b><br>Diotrephes' love for being first serves as a warning against pride and ambition in church leadership. Leaders should seek to serve rather than to dominate.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_apostolic_teaching.htm">The Importance of Apostolic Teaching</a></b><br>The rejection of apostolic instruction by Diotrephes highlights the need for adherence to biblical teaching and the authority of Scripture in church life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Humility in Leadership</a></b><br>True Christian leadership is marked by humility and a willingness to serve others, following the example of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_division_in_the_church.htm">The Impact of Division in the Church</a></b><br>Diotrephes' actions caused division and strife within the church, reminding us of the importance of unity and cooperation among believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_in_leadership.htm">Accountability in Leadership</a></b><br>Church leaders are accountable to God and the broader Christian community, and should be open to correction and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_3_john_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 3 John 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_diotrephes'_portrayal_bias.htm">How do we reconcile the portrayal of Diotrephes in 3 John 1:9–10 with potential bias, since we only hear one side? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_diotrephes_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Diotrephes in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_3_john_1_omit_jesus's_works.htm">If 3 John 1 is authentic, why does it omit any mention of Jesus’s teachings or miracles? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_clear_evidence_for_3_john_1.htm">Why is there no clear historical or archaeological evidence confirming the exact circumstances described in 3 John 1? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/3_john/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Ver. 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I wrote somewhat to the Church</span> (reading, with the best authorities, <span class="greek">ἔγραψά τι</span> probably means that St. John had written a letter, now lost, and perhaps destroyed by Diotrephes, to the Church to which Diotrephes belonged. That Diotrephes was bishop of this Church is conjecture; as also that he opposed St. John's emissaries "because they were bent on carrying the gospel to the Gentiles, he himself being, no doubt, both a Jew and of the Jewish faction." He may have been an influential layman. But the context favours the view that he was at least a presbyter. This ecclesiastical Cleon is the type of all vain, noisy, self-asserting teachers, whose main object is to get their own way - an object which they effect by browbeating all who differ from them. No authority is respected and no character spared which seems to oppose their policy. Even an apostle is denounced if he ventures to maintain that the truth may be larger than their view of it. Christian ministers now must not be surprised if they sometimes meet with no better treatment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/3_john/1-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">I have written</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἔγραψά</span> <span class="translit">(Egrapsa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῇ</span> <span class="translit">(tē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">church</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκκλησίᾳ</span> <span class="translit">(ekklēsia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1577.htm">Strong's 1577: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[about this],</span><br /><span class="grk">τι</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλ’</span> <span class="translit">(all’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Diotrephes,</span><br /><span class="grk">Διοτρεφὴς</span> <span class="translit">(Diotrephēs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1361.htm">Strong's 1361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Diotrephes. From the alternate of Zeus and trepho; Jove-nourished; Diotrephes, an opponent of Christianity.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">loves to be first,</span><br /><span class="grk">φιλοπρωτεύων</span> <span class="translit">(philoprōteuōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5383.htm">Strong's 5383: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of philos and protos; to be fond of being first, i.e. Ambitious of distinction.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not accept</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπιδέχεται</span> <span class="translit">(epidechetai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1926.htm">Strong's 1926: </a> </span><span class="str2">To accept, admit, welcome. From epi and dechomai; to admit (figuratively) teacher.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our [instruction].</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hēmas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">NT Letters: 3 John 1:9 I wrote to the assembly but Diotrephes (3J iiiJ 3Jn iii jn 3 jo) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/3_john/1-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="3 John 1:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="3 John 1:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/3_john/1-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="3 John 1:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="3 John 1:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>