wrote = wrote something, as the texts. Diotrephes . Nothing is known of him. who loveth, &c. Greek. philoproteuo, love to be first. among = of. receiveth . Greek. epidechomai. Only here and 3 John 1:10 . read more
I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.I wrote somewhat unto the church ... Presumably, John had written to the church to which both Gaius and Diotrephes belonged; but as there were usually household churches in every city, they might have belonged to different groups with the church in the larger sense. The letter mentioned here has not come down to us, perhaps being destroyed by Diotrephes. At any rate, John wrote to... read more
3 John 1:9. But Diotrephes,— Diotrephes has been taken for a Gentile Christian, who would not receive the Jewish Christians; and it must be acknowledged that it was a common name among the Gentiles: but it is also well known, that Alexander, Philip, Stephen, AEneas, and many other Gentile names, were common among the Jews, and therefore the name of Diotrephes will prove nothing. Besides, the Gentile Christians rarely or ever refused communion with the Jewish Christians; but the Judaizing... read more
I wrote — The oldest manuscripts add “something”: a communication, probably, on the subject of receiving the brethren with brotherly love ( :-, :-). That Epistle was not designed by the Spirit for the universal Church, or else it would have been preserved.unto the church — of which Gaius is a member.loveth ... pre-eminence — through ambition. Evidently occupying a high place in the Church where Gaius was ( :-).among them — over the members of the Church.receiveth us not — virtually, namely, by... read more
II. UPHOLDING THE TRUTH WITH LOVE VV. 2-12The word "Beloved" introduces each of the three sections of the body of this brief epistle. read more
B. Encouragement to Support Those Who Proclaim the Truth VV. 5-10John commended Gaius for his love of the brethren (cf. 1 John 2:3-9; 1 John 3:14-18; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11; 1 John 4:20-21; 2 John 1:5) to encourage him to continue practicing this virtue. read more
Gaius’ good example stands out more clearly beside Diotrephes’ bad example. Diotrephes is a rare name and means "nourished by Zeus." [Note: Hiebert, 144:574:203.] John brought Diotrephes into the picture to clarify the responsibility of Gaius and all other readers of this epistle and to give instructions concerning this erring brother.The letter to the church of which both Gaius and Diotrephes were a part is not extant, as far as we know, unless it is 1 or 2 John. "Them" refers to the... read more
(2 a.) (2) Beloved.—St. John’s affection is founded on the high merits of Caius as a Christian.Above all things.—This may mean “in all things.”Be in health.—An ascetic would be surprised that one of the greatest of the Apostles should be so earnest on such a point. But the better a man’s health, the more thoroughly he can do the work of God. Sickness may be allowed to chasten the erring or rebellious heart, but a Christian whose faith is firm and character established, can ill afford to despise... read more
Commentary on the Second Epistle THE THIRD EPISTLE The Third Epistle is addressed by the elder, the aged Apostle John, to a brother by name of Gaius. A Gaius is mentioned in Acts 19:29 ; Acts 20:4 , Romans 16:23 and 1 Corinthians 1:14 . It is impossible to say whether this is the same. John calls him well-beloved, whom he loved in the truth. Thus he emphasizes the truth once more as he had done before. He wishes that he might prosper in his body, in health, as even his soul prospered. He had... read more
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Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 3 John 1:9-11
3 John 1:9-11. I wrote Or have written; to the church Probably that to which they came; but Diotrephes &c. As if he had said, But I fear lest my letter should not produce the desired effect; for Diotrephes, perhaps the pastor of it, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them To govern all things according to his own will; receiveth us not Neither them nor me; or, does not acknowledge my authority as an apostle of Christ. So did the mystery of iniquity already begin to work!... read more