BSB
I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
WEB
I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.
KJV
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
Matthew Henry
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Verses 9–11
3 John 1:9–11
I. Diotrephes, unlike Gaius, loved preeminence and refused apostolic authority, spreading malicious words. He did not accept John’s letter and discouraged others from showing hospitality, casting them out of the church. John warns that he will address this behavior when he visits. II. John cautions against following Diotrephes’ evil example and encourages believers to imitate what is good, for those who do good are of God, while those who do evil have not seen God.