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Text -- 3 John 1:9 (NET)

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Context
Diotrephes the Troublemaker
1:9 I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not acknowledge us.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Diotrephes a Christian man who loved to be pre-eminent


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Presumption | PREEMINENCE | Minister | JOHN, THE EPISTLES OF, PART 4-9 | Elder | EXCOMMUNICATION | Diotrephes | Church | Beloved | Ambition | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

Other
Evidence

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: 3Jo 1:9 - -- I wrote somewhat unto the church ( egrapsa ti tēi ekklēsiāi ). A few MSS. add an to indicate that he had not written (conclusion of second-cl...

I wrote somewhat unto the church ( egrapsa ti tēi ekklēsiāi ).

A few MSS. add an to indicate that he had not written (conclusion of second-class condition), clearly spurious. Not epistolary aorist nor a reference to 2 John as Findlay holds, but an allusion to a brief letter of commendation (Act 18:27; 2Co 3:1; Col 4:10) sent along with the brethren in 3Jo 1:5-7 or to some other itinerant brethren. Westcott wrongly thinks that ti is never used of anything important in the N.T. (Act 8:9; Gal 6:3), and hence that this lost letter was unimportant. It may have been brief and a mere introduction. Diotrephes (Dios and trephō , nourished by Zeus). This ambitious leader and sympathiser with the Gnostics would probably prevent the letter referred to being read to the church, whether it was 2 John condemning the Gnostics or another letter commending Demetrius and John’ s missionaries. Hence he sends Gaius this personal letter warning against Diotrephes.

Robertson: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Who loveth to have the preeminence among them ( ho philoprōteuōn autōn ). Present active articular participle of a late verb, so far found only...

Who loveth to have the preeminence among them ( ho philoprōteuōn autōn ).

Present active articular participle of a late verb, so far found only here and in ecclesiastical writers (the example cited by Blass being an error, Deissmann, Light etc., p. 76), from philoprōtos , fond of being first (Plutarch), and made like philoponeō (papyri), to be fond of toil. This ambition of Diotrephes does not prove that he was a bishop over elders, as was true in the second century (as Ignatius shows). He may have been an elder (bishop) or deacon, but clearly desired to rule the whole church. Some forty years ago I wrote an article on Diotrephes for a denominational paper. The editor told me that twenty-five deacons stopped the paper to show their resentment against being personally attacked in the paper.

Robertson: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Receiveth us not ( ouk epidechetai hēmās ). Present active indicative of this old compound, in N.T. only here and 3Jo 1:10. Diotrephes refused to...

Receiveth us not ( ouk epidechetai hēmās ).

Present active indicative of this old compound, in N.T. only here and 3Jo 1:10. Diotrephes refused to accept John’ s authority or those who sided with him, John’ s missionaries or delegates (cf. Mat 10:40).

Vincent: 3Jo 1:9 - -- I wrote unto the Church The best texts insert τι somewhat , which indicates that the apostle did not regard the communication as specially imp...

I wrote unto the Church

The best texts insert τι somewhat , which indicates that the apostle did not regard the communication as specially important.

Vincent: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Diotrephes ( Διοτρεφὴς ) The name is from Δίος of Zeus (Jove), and τρέφω to nourish , and means Jove-nursed .

Diotrephes ( Διοτρεφὴς )

The name is from Δίος of Zeus (Jove), and τρέφω to nourish , and means Jove-nursed .

Vincent: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Who loveth to have the pre-eminence ( ὁ φιλοπρωτεύων ) From the adjective φιλόπρωτος fond of being first . Th...

Who loveth to have the pre-eminence ( ὁ φιλοπρωτεύων )

From the adjective φιλόπρωτος fond of being first . The word occurs here only.

Wesley: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Probably that to which they came.

Probably that to which they came.

Wesley: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Perhaps the pastor of it.

Perhaps the pastor of it.

Wesley: 3Jo 1:9 - -- To govern all things according to his own will.

To govern all things according to his own will.

Wesley: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Neither them nor me. So did the mystery of iniquity already work!

Neither them nor me. So did the mystery of iniquity already work!

JFB: 3Jo 1:9 - -- The oldest manuscripts add "something": a communication, probably, on the subject of receiving the brethren with brotherly love (3Jo 1:8, 3Jo 1:10). T...

The oldest manuscripts add "something": a communication, probably, on the subject of receiving the brethren with brotherly love (3Jo 1:8, 3Jo 1:10). That Epistle was not designed by the Spirit for the universal Church, or else it would have been preserved.

JFB: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Of which Gaius is a member.

Of which Gaius is a member.

JFB: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Through ambition. Evidently occupying a high place in the Church where Gaius was (3Jo 1:10).

Through ambition. Evidently occupying a high place in the Church where Gaius was (3Jo 1:10).

JFB: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Over the members of the Church.

Over the members of the Church.

JFB: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Virtually, namely, by not receiving with love the brethren whom we recommended to be received (3Jo 1:8, 3Jo 1:10; compare Mat 10:40).

Virtually, namely, by not receiving with love the brethren whom we recommended to be received (3Jo 1:8, 3Jo 1:10; compare Mat 10:40).

Clarke: 3Jo 1:9 - -- I wrote unto the Church - The Church where Caius was; but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence, φιλοπρωτευων, who loves the ...

I wrote unto the Church - The Church where Caius was; but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence, φιλοπρωτευων, who loves the presidency, or chief place in the Church. He was doubtless an officer in the Church, at least a deacon, probably a bishop; and, being one, he magnified himself in his office; he loved such eminence, and behaved himself haughtily in it

Clarke: 3Jo 1:9 - -- Receiveth us not - Does not acknowledge the apostolical authority. As some MSS. supply αν after εγραψα, and several judicious critics bel...

Receiveth us not - Does not acknowledge the apostolical authority. As some MSS. supply αν after εγραψα, and several judicious critics believe it is implied, the translation will run thus: I would have written to the Church to receive these men kindly, but Diotrephes, who affects the presidency; and into whose hands, if I wrote to the Church, my letter must come, receiveth us not - would not acknowledge my authority to interfere with any of the matters of his Church; and therefore I have written unto thee, whose love to the brethren and general hospitality are well known, that thou wouldst receive those strangers and persecuted followers of our common Lord.

Defender: 3Jo 1:9 - -- John had apparently written a previous letter to this church, but Diotrephes somehow intercepted it and refused to honor John's request to help and he...

John had apparently written a previous letter to this church, but Diotrephes somehow intercepted it and refused to honor John's request to help and hear the itinerant Bible teachers, going so far as to excommunicate those who disagreed with him (3Jo 1:10).

Defender: 3Jo 1:9 - -- "Diotrephes" means "Nourished by Zeus," and Diotrephes had chosen to keep his pagan name rather than to follow the custom of other Gentile converts an...

"Diotrephes" means "Nourished by Zeus," and Diotrephes had chosen to keep his pagan name rather than to follow the custom of other Gentile converts and change it to a Christian name. He was evidently only half-converted from paganism and resisted any teaching from John or other God-called teachers. Nevertheless, he had somehow gotten himself elevated by the congregation to the highest position of power in the church. He loved his position of power and was intent on keeping it. John was hoping he might soon be able to come and deal with the situation personally (3Jo 1:10), though his health and age might not allow (3Jo 1:13 and 3Jo 1:14)."

TSK: 3Jo 1:9 - -- who loveth : Ο φιλοπρωτευων ""who loveth the presidency,""or chief place, doubtless in the church, of which Diotrephes was most proba...

who loveth : Ο φιλοπρωτευων ""who loveth the presidency,""or chief place, doubtless in the church, of which Diotrephes was most probably an officer; and being one, magnified himself in his office: he loved such pre-eminence, and behaved haughtily in it. Mat 20:20-28, Mat 23:4-8; Mar 9:34, Mar 10:35-45; Luk 22:24-27; Rom 12:10; Phi 2:3-5; Tit 1:7-16

receiveth : 3Jo 1:8; Mat 10:40-42; Mar 9:37; Luk 9:48

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: 3Jo 1:9 - -- I wrote unto the church - That is on the former occasion when they went forth. At that time, John naturally commended them to the kind attentio...

I wrote unto the church - That is on the former occasion when they went forth. At that time, John naturally commended them to the kind attentions of the church, not doubting but that aid would be rendered them in prosecuting their benevolent work among the Gentiles. The Epistle which was written on that occasion is now lost, and its contents cannot now be ascertained. It was, probably, however, a letter of mere commendation, perhaps stating the object which these brethren had in view, and soliciting the aid of the church. The Latin Vulgate renders this: "scripsissem forsan ecclesiae , "I would have written, perhaps, to the church, but Diotrephes,"etc. Macknight also renders this, "I would have written,"supposing the sense to be, that John would have commended them to the whole church rather than to a private member, if he had not been aware of the influence and opposition of Diotrephes. The Syriac version also adopts the same rendering. Several manuscripts also, of later date, introduced a particle, ( αν an ,) by which the same rendering would be demanded in the Greek, though that reading is not sustained by good authority. Against this mode of rendering the passage, the reasons seem to me to be clear.

(1)\caps1     a\caps0 s already remarked, the reading in the Greek which would require it is not sustained by good authority.

(2)\caps1     t\caps0 he fair and obvious interpretation of the Greek word used by the apostle, ( ἔγραψα egrapsa ,) without that particle, is, I "wrote"- implying that it had been already done.

(3)\caps1     i\caps0 t is more probable that John had written to the church on some former occasion, and that his recommendation had been rejected by the influence of Diotrephes, than that he would be deterred by the apprehension that his recommendation would be rejected.

It seems to me, therefore, that the fair interpretation of this passage is, that these brethren had gone forth on some former occasion, commended by John to the church, and had been rejected by the influence of Diotrephes, and that now he commends them to Gains, by whom they had been formerly entertained, and asks him to renew his hospitality to them.

But Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not - Does not admit our authority, or would not comply with any such recommendation. The idea is, that he rejected his interference in the matter, and was not disposed to acknowledge him in any way. Of Diotrephes, nothing more is known than is here specified. Compare the analysis of the Epistle. If he was an officer in the church - a pastor, a ruling elder, a deacon, a vestry-man, a warden, or a private individual - we have no means of ascertaining. The presumption, from the phrase "who loveth to have the pre-eminence,"would rather seem to be that he was an aspiring man, arrogating rights which he did not have, and assuming authority to which he was not entitled by virtue of any office. Still he might have held an office, and might have arrogated authority, as many have done, beyond what properly belonged to it.

The single word rendered "who loveth to have the pre-eminence," φιλοπρωτεύων philoprōteuōn , occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means simply, "who loves to be first"- meaning that he loved to be at the head of all things, to rule, to lord it over others. It is clearly supposed here, that the church would have complied with the request of the writer if it had not been for this man. What were the alleged grounds for the course which he constrained the church to take, we are not informed; the real ground, the apostle says, was his desire to rule. There may have been at the bottom of it some secret dislike of John, or some private grudge; but the alleged ground may have been, that the church was independent, and that it should reject all foreign interference; or that the church was unable to support those men; or that the work in which they were engaged was one of doubtful propriety.

Whatever was the cause, the case furnishes an illustration of the bad influence of one ambitious and arrogant man in a church. It is often in the power of one such man to bring a whole church under his control, and effectually to embarrass all its movements, and to prevent all the good which it would otherwise accomplish. When it is said, "but Diotrephes receiveth us not,"the reference is doubtless to John, and the meaning is, either that he did not acknowledge him as an apostle, or that he did not recognize his right to interfere in the affairs of the church, or that he did not regard his recommendation of these brethren. The first of these suppositions is hardly probable; but, though he may have admitted that he was an apostle, there were perhaps some reasons operating in this particular case why he prevailed on the church to reject those who had been thus commended to their hospitality.

Poole: 3Jo 1:9-10 - -- Ver. 9,10. I wrote unto the church this was probably some church of which Gaius was. Diotrephes one who had received or usurped some office or aut...

Ver. 9,10. I wrote unto the church this was probably some church of which Gaius was.

Diotrephes one who had received or usurped some office or authority in it, to so ill a purpose, as when he had no inclination to be hospitable himself to fellow Christians, prevented others from being so; and upon pretence of the little differences of these Jewish from the Gentile Christians, excluded them their communion.

Haydock: 3Jo 1:9-10 - -- Diotrephes....doth not receive us, nor those we recommend, but prattles and talks against me. We know no more of this man, nor of Demetrius, of whom...

Diotrephes....doth not receive us, nor those we recommend, but prattles and talks against me. We know no more of this man, nor of Demetrius, of whom St. John gives so favourable a character. (Witham) ---

It seemeth, saith Ven. Bede, that he was an arch heretic, or proud sect master ---

Greek: upomneso. I will rebuke them, and make them know to be wicked. (Ven. Bede)

Gill: 3Jo 1:9 - -- I wrote unto the church,.... Where Gaius was a member: those who take Gaius to be the same with Paul's host, and whom he baptized at Corinth, think th...

I wrote unto the church,.... Where Gaius was a member: those who take Gaius to be the same with Paul's host, and whom he baptized at Corinth, think the church at Corinth is here meant; but it seems rather to be meant of some church in Asia nearer Ephesus; nor is it likely that John's first epistle should be here intended, which makes no mention of relieving the brethren, the ministers of the Gospel, that came from Judea: and that this epistle should not be preserved, need not seem strange; for it cannot be thought that everything that was written by him to particular persons, or churches, should be continued. The Alexandrian copy and one of Stephens's read, "I wrote something to the church"; upon this head, concerning receiving and supporting ministers of the Gospel, and so prevents an objection that Gaius might make, why did he not write to the church about it? The Vulgate Latin version reads, "I should", or "would have wrote": and the Syriac version, "I desired", or "wished to have wrote"; suggesting, that though he had not wrote, yet it was much upon his mind, he had a great desire to it:

but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them,

receiveth us not; which hindered him from writing, or was the reason why he wrote now to Gaius since Diotrephes gave no heed to what he had wrote, suppressed his letter, and would not suffer it to be read to the brethren. This Diotrephes, by his name, which signifies one "nourished", or "brought up by Jupiter", was a Gentile; there was one of this name, who was one of the kings of Athens a; and what may confirm this is, his slighting and rejecting the brethren that came from Judea: it is very likely he was more than a private member in the church, and that he was an officer, and it may be the pastor; and though there is a preeminence, which of right belongs to such an officer, as to preside over the church, to govern, guide, and direct, according to the laws of Christ, he being set over the church, as a ruler, governor, and guide; yet this may be carried too far, as it was by this man, who coveted more than was his due, and lorded it over God's heritage, ruled the flock with force and cruelty, and usurped a tyrannical power over them; whereas every thing in a church ought to be done, by pastor and people, in love, meekness, and with mutual consent. And it may be also, that he sought to have the preeminence over the rest of the elders of the church, for in those large churches there were oftentimes more elders and pastors than one; see Act 20:17. This ambitious spirit prevailed and obtained among the false teachers, who set up themselves at the head of parties, and above the apostles of Christ, and paved the way for antichrist, who assumed the title of universal bishop, which has introduced all the errors and impieties of the Romish church. Now this man such an ambitious, lordly, and governing spirit, received not the Apostle John, and those that were with him; meaning not their persons, for as yet he and they were not in person where he was; but his letter, his orders, and instructions; these he paid no regard to, concealed them from the church, and would not admit them to be read: or else the apostle's sense is, that he received not the brethren that came from him, and were recommended by him, and whom he affectionately loved, and who were near and dear to him as himself; and therefore not receiving them is interpreted by him as not receiving himself.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 3Jo 1:9 Since the verb ἐπιδέχομαι (epidecomai) can mean “receive into one’s presence” (BD...

Geneva Bible: 3Jo 1:9 ( 2 ) I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. ( 2 ) Ambition and covetousness, two ...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: 3 John - --1 He commends Gaius for his piety,5 and hospitality,7 to true preachers;9 complaining of the unkind dealing of ambitious Diotrephes on the contrary si...

MHCC: 3Jo 1:9-12 - --Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but ...

Matthew Henry: 3Jo 1:9-11 - -- I. Here is a very different example and character, an officer, a minister in the church, less generous, catholic, and communicative than the private...

Barclay: 3Jo 1:9-14 - --Here we come to the reason why this letter was written and are introduced to two of the main characters in the story. There is Diotrephes. In the int...

Constable: 2Jo 1:7--3Jo 1:10 - --B. Protecting the Truth vv. 7-11 Next John moved on to his second purpose. He wrote to encourage his readers to resist the false teachers who were dis...

Constable: 3 John - --C. Demetrius' Opportunity for Love v. 12 John urged Gaius to show hospitable love to Demetrius to give G...

Constable: 3Jo 1:5--Jud 1:7 - --A. Gaius' Love vv. 5-8 John commended Gaius for his love of the brethren to encourage him to continue practicing this virtue. v. 5 John loved Gaius as...

Constable: 3Jo 1:9--Jud 1:10 - --B. Diotrephes' Lack of Love vv. 9-11 Gaius' good example stands out more clearly beside Diotrephes' bad example. Diotrephes is a rare name and means "...

College: 3 John - -- 3 JOHN 1 The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go we...

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Commentary -- Other

Evidence: 3Jo 1:9 Loving to have preeminence is not a fruit of godliness. Those who want it will manifest their unregenerate hearts with malicious words. They will divi...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: 3 John (Book Introduction) THIRD JOHN ABOUT a.d. 85 TO 90 By Way of Introduction Certainly 3 John is addressed to an individual, not to a church, though which Gaius we do ...

JFB: 3 John (Book Introduction) AUTHENTICITY.--That these two Epistles were written by the same author appears from their similarity of tone, style, and sentiments. That John, the be...

TSK: 3 John 1 (Chapter Introduction) Overview 3Jo 1:1, He commends Gaius for his piety, 3Jo 1:5, and hospitality, 3Jo 1:7, to true preachers; 3Jo 1:9, complaining of the unkind dealin...

Poole: 3 John 1 (Chapter Introduction) JOHN CHAPTER 1

MHCC: 3 John (Book Introduction) This epistle is addressed to a converted Gentile. The scope is to commend his stedfastness in the faith, and his hospitality, especially to the minist...

Matthew Henry: 3 John (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Third Epistle of John Christian communion is exerted and cherished by letter. Christians are to be ...

Matthew Henry: 3 John 1 (Chapter Introduction) In this epistle the apostle congratulates Gaius upon the prosperity of his soul (3Jo 1:1, 3Jo 1:2), upon the fame he had among good Christians (3Jo...

Barclay: 3 John (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE SECOND AND THIRD LETTERS OF JOHN The very shortness of these two letters is the best guarantee of their genuineness. They are ...

Barclay: 3 John 1 (Chapter Introduction) The Teacher's Joy (3Jo_1:1-4) Christian Hospitality (3Jo_1:5-8) The Christian Adventurers (3Jo_1:5-8 Continued) Love's Appeal (3Jo_1:9-15)

Constable: 3 John (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background Third John is probably the most personal letter in ...

Constable: 3 John (Outline) Outline I. Introduction vv. 1-4 II. The importance of love vv. 5-12 A. G...

Constable: 3 John 3 John Bibliography Alexander, W. "The Third Epistle of John." In The Speaker's Commentary: New Testament. Edit...

Haydock: 3 John (Book Introduction) THE THIRD EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN, THE APOSTLE. INTRODUCTION. St. John commends Gaius for his faith, charity, and hospitality towards strangers an...

Gill: 3 John (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO 3 JOHN This epistle was written by the Apostle John, who calls himself an "elder", as in the preceding, and is inscribed to a frien...

College: 3 John (Outline) OUTLINE I. GREETING - 1 II. GAIUS ADMONISHED - 2-8 A. Walking in the Truth - 2-4 B. Faithful in Working Together - 5-8 1. Faithful Act...

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