3 John 1:9

I wrote. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading, “I wrote somewhat,” an expression that is generally taken to refer to a previous short epistle. It is possible that John is referring to the second epistle, but strong arguments have been advanced against this view and in favor of a lost letter. In favor of the second epistle is the similarity in content between the two letters: the first gives negative advice concerning traveling preachers; the second seems to deal more with the positive point of view. It may have been that Diotrephes refused to read the second epistle because he had Gnostic leanings (see pp. 625, 626) and did not wish to refuse hospitality to the false teachers who shared his views. But whatever explanation is proposed it can at best be but hypothetical, and it is possible that John is referring to a letter that has not been preserved in the sacred canon. If this is the case, we here have another instance of apostolic writing that has not been included in the Scriptures (cf. on 1 Cor. 5:9).

The church. That is, the church of which Diotrephes and Gaius were members.

Diotrephes. Gr. Diotrephēs, from Dios, meaning “of Zeus,” and trephō, “to nourish,” “to nurse,” hence, “nourished by Zeus.” Some have suggested that there may be significance in the fact that Diotrephes had retained his heathen name; however, see on v. 12. He may have retained elements of heathen philosophy, and thus have been particularly susceptible to Gnostic influences.

Loveth to have the preeminence. Diotrephes harbored unholy ambition in his mind. He aspired to be first for the sake of position rather than for the sake of the good he might accomplish. The position itself is not defined, and there is no evidence to show that a bishopric is referred to. The Christian church was already well instructed concerning undesirable ambition (Matt. 20:20–28; Luke 22:24–27; John 13:1–17).

Among them. That is, among the members of the church to which Gaius and Diotrephes belonged.

Receiveth. Gr. epidechomai, “to accept,” “to recognize someone’s authority.” The word is used only here and in v. 10 in the NT. Here it refers to acceptance of a person’s authority; in v. 10 it refers to receiving a person hospitably. It would appear that Diotrephes refused to read John’s epistle, and thus rejected the authority of the apostle and his associates.