3 John 1:9
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
3 John 1:9
This verse shifts to a more personal conflict: Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not. Diotrephes is portrayed as a leadership figure who asserts his own authority, blocking the apostolic authority of John and the church’s guests. The issue isn’t simply personality but a challenge to the church’s governance and the integrity of fellowship. Diotrephes’s behavior—refusing to receive church visitors and attempting to dominate—reflects pride, power seeking, and a failure to honor the broader church and its mission. John’s acknowledgment of the problem signals the seriousness of unity and truth in leadership. The verse sets up the contrast between humble, truth-centered leadership and self-serving ambition.
Themes include church governance, humility, and the danger of leadership that seeks control rather than service. The verse invites believers to evaluate authority structures in light of Christ’s model of servant leadership, where “greatness” is measured by how one serves others, not how one rules. It also underscores the importance of corporate accountability for leaders and the need for honest confrontation when leadership misaligns with gospel truth and communal well-being.
Application involves fostering healthy church leadership that values service, accountability, and communal discernment. If you’re in a position of influence, practice transparent decision-making, invite feedback, and welcome accountability from peers or elders. For members, resist cliques or personality-driven cults of leadership that ignore the broader church body. In practical terms: support fair processes for church governance, ensure guest speakers and missionaries are treated with respect, and address conflict openly with humility and a commitment to truth. If you encounter a “Diotrephes-like” attitude, seek reconciliation through wise counsel and, when necessary, boundaries that protect the church’s mission.
Cross-References: 1 Corinthians 3:3-7; 3:1-3; 1 Corinthians 6:1-5; Titus 1:7