Therefore, we ought to support such people so that we can be coworkers with the truth.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have first place among them,(A) does not receive our authority.(B) 10 This is why, if I come, I will remind him of the works he is doing, slandering(C) us with malicious words. And he is not satisfied with that! He not only refuses to welcome fellow believers, but he even stops those who want to do so and expels them from the church.

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Therefore, we ought to support such persons, so that we may be co-workers in the truth.

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to dominate,[a] does not acknowledge us. 10 Therefore, if I come,[b] I will draw attention to what he is doing, spreading evil nonsense about us. And not content with that, he will not receive the brothers, hindering those who wish to do so and expelling them from the church.

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Footnotes

  1. 9 Who loves to dominate: the Presbyter does not deny Diotrephes’ place as leader but indicates that his ambition may have caused him to disregard his letter and his influence.
  2. 10 If I come: the Presbyter may visit the community to challenge the actions of Diotrephes toward himself and the missionaries. Will not receive the brothers: Diotrephes may have been critical of the teachings of the Presbyter and sought to maintain doctrinal purity; cf. 1 Jn 2:19 and 2 Jn 10–11.