“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”
My Notes
What Does 3 John 1:9 Mean?
John writes one of the most blunt personal criticisms in the New Testament: Diotrephes "loveth to have the preeminence" and refuses to accept John's authority. This is a named-and-shamed leadership failure in a church — a man who has made ministry about himself.
The phrase "loveth to have the preeminence" (philoprōteuōn) appears only here in the entire New Testament. It means to love being first — to crave the top spot, to need to be the most important person in the room. John doesn't accuse Diotrephes of heresy or immorality. His sin is simpler and more universal: he loves being in charge.
Diotrephes "receiveth us not" — he's rejecting apostolic authority. Not because John is wrong, but because accepting John's authority would mean Diotrephes isn't the highest authority in the room. When love of preeminence gets its grip on a leader, even God's messengers become threats.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Can you honestly celebrate when someone else is recognized, appreciated, or elevated in your community?
- 2.Have you ever seen the 'Diotrephes spirit' in a leader — and what did it cost the community?
- 3.How do you check yourself for the subtle desire to be first, especially in spiritual contexts where it's easy to disguise?
- 4.What does healthy leadership look like compared to the kind of leadership Diotrephes practiced?
Devotional
Diotrephes loved being first. That was his entire problem. Not bad theology. Not scandalous behavior. Just an insatiable need to be the most important person in the room.
And it led him to reject an apostle. Think about that. The desire to maintain control was so strong that when John — one of the original disciples, the one who leaned on Jesus' chest — wrote to the church, Diotrephes shut it down. Because receiving John's letter would mean sharing authority. And Diotrephes couldn't have that.
This is a warning for anyone in leadership — or anyone who wants to be. The love of preeminence is one of the subtlest and most destructive sins in the church. It doesn't look like rebellion. It looks like strong leadership. It doesn't feel like sin. It feels like conviction. But underneath, it's just someone who needs to be first.
How do you know if this is you? Ask yourself: can you celebrate someone else's success in your space? Can you submit to authority without resentment? Can you be second? If those questions make you uncomfortable, Diotrephes might be closer than you think.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
I wrote unto the church,.... Where Gaius was a member: those who take Gaius to be the same with Paul's host, and whom he…
I wrote unto the church - That is on the former occasion when they went forth. At that time, John naturally commended…
I wrote unto the Church - The Church where Caius was; but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence, φιλοπρωτευων,…
I. Diotrephes, unlike Gaius, loved preeminence and refused apostolic authority, spreading malicious words. He did not…
Diotrephes condemned for his Arrogance and Hostility
This is the most surprising part of the letter; and of the…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture