3 John 1:9

Analysis & Commentary

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. John now addresses conflict within the church. "I wrote unto the church" (ἔγραψά τι τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ, egrapsa ti tē ekklēsia) references a previous letter, now apparently lost, addressing this congregation. The indefinite τι (ti, "something") might indicate a brief note or suggest John minimizes its importance since Diotrephes rejected it.

"Diotrephes" (Διοτρεφής, meaning "nourished by Zeus"—an ironic name for someone in the church) is described with devastating precision: "who loveth to have the preeminence" (ὁ φιλοπρωτεύων αὐτῶν, ho philoprōteuōn autōn). This rare verb φιλοπρωτεύω (philoprōteuō) combines φιλέω (phileō, "to love") and πρῶτος (prōtos, "first")—he loves being first, craves prominence, and desires supremacy. This wasn't godly leadership but selfish ambition, the very attitude Christ condemned: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant" (Matthew 23:11).

"Receiveth us not" (οὐκ ἐπιδέχεται ἡμᾶς, ouk epidechetai hēmas) indicates Diotrephes refused to acknowledge apostolic authority. The pronoun "us" likely includes both John personally and the traveling ministers he endorsed. This wasn't mere disagreement but active rejection of legitimate spiritual authority. Diotrephes apparently dominated the congregation and refused those carrying John's commendation, effectively cutting off the church from apostolic oversight. This represents serious rebellion against divinely ordained authority and demonstrates how pride corrupts Christian community.

Historical Context

By the late first century, church leadership structures were developing from the apostolic era's fluidity toward more established patterns of elders/bishops and deacons. This transition created opportunity for power struggles between apostolic authority (represented by the few surviving apostles like John) and local leaders (like Diotrephes) who might resist external oversight. The absence of institutional hierarchies meant leadership depended heavily on character, reputation, and recognized spiritual authority rather than official titles or positions.

Diotrephes represents a perennial problem: ambitious individuals who seek prominence rather than serving humbly. Jesus repeatedly warned against such attitudes (Matthew 20:25-28, Mark 10:42-45), Paul addressed conflicts from selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3-4), and church history demonstrates tragic consequences when leaders prioritize power over service. The early church faced this challenge without the institutional safeguards later developed (like presbyterian or episcopal polity), making character and submission to apostolic teaching even more critical.

The conflict also illustrates tensions between itinerant and settled ministry. Traveling apostolic workers depended on local churches' hospitality and support, but this created potential for conflict when local leaders felt threatened by outsiders' influence. Diotrephes may have viewed John's representatives as undermining his authority or questioned their legitimacy. However, his response—refusing apostolic authority altogether—revealed prideful self-will rather than legitimate concern for the congregation's welfare.

Questions for Reflection

• Do you exhibit Diotrephes-like attitudes in your own life—seeking prominence, resisting accountability, or building personal kingdoms?
• How does your church guard against authoritarian leadership while maintaining biblical church order and discipline?
• Are you willing to submit to spiritual authority and receive correction, or do you reject accountability?