3 John 1:9-14 (NKJV) I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face.
Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
V9 “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.” Even thought the Apostle John wrote to this church, Diotrephes, the pastor, refused to comply with the Apostle’s request. John identifies him as a proud, arrogant, and self-seeking fake Christian. Compare Matthew 23:4, Romans 12:10, and Titus 1:7-16. It appears he wanted power, control, and an ungodly desire for respect.
A note about pride from Bridgeway Bible Dictionary: “The essence of pride is self-centredness. The pleasure of the proud is not just to have something, but to have more of it than anyone else; not just to be something, but to be better than anyone else (Proverbs 14:21; Matthew 23:5-7; Matthew 23:12; 1John 2:16). Pride causes people to rebel against God because he is above them, and despise fellow human beings because, in their view, they are below them (Exodus 5:2; Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 18:9-11).”
V10 “Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” Words may reveal somethings about a person, if that person is honest. Actions, especially repeated actions, are a louder testimony of a person’s heart. The Greek word for “call to mind” is (G5279) ὑπομιμνήσκω hypomimnēskō, which means (Word Study Dictionary) “To remember, perhaps after hints or suggestions.” The hint would be seeing Diotrephes’ face. The Apostle having the authority given to him by the Lord Jesus would expose him for his evil life, his mockeries, and his slandering lies. He is so controlling that Diotrephes will not welcome other Christians, forbids those who do so, and bans them from the church fellowship. Beware of controlling pastors. The Greek word for “forbids” is (G2967) κωλύω kōlyō, which means (Word Study Dictionary) “To cut off, weaken, and hence generally to hinder, prevent, restrain.” Diotrephes stopped them with physical and verbals actions. It is not what a pastor says so much as how he lives.
V11 “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” A warning to not do what this agent of satan does. It is a principle so we can recognize and avoid. Diotrephes’ actions and words are evil. He is not a Christian as evident from the Apostle’s words “He who does good is of God.”
V12 “Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.” Demetrius is the opposite. He has a good witness of his life, words, and gifts. Reality proves it so. We must test and examine a person’s character. Put them under trial to reveal their real character. The standard is the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, James 1:25, James 2:12, and Romans 8:2).
V13 “I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink…” John plans to visit and teach many other things. It is good to read but better to hear in person, because questions and answers then can be given.
V14 “…but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.” The Apostle’s farewell.
We learn:
• The difference between a faithful pastor and a fake.
• Our lives in public and private speak louder than what we say or how we say it.