3 John 1:9

I wrote a letter to the Christians that live near you. But that man Diotrefees doesn’t listen to what we say. He thinks he’s really important, and he wants to be the boss.

Plain English Version

In The King James Version

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

In Context

8So us Christian mob, we have to look after Christians that come to our town to tell people God’s true message. We have to give them food and money to help them do that work. In that way, we are helping those Christians to tell people God’s true message.

10I will visit soon, and I will talk to everyone about the bad things that Diotrefees is doing. He is making up lies against us, and he is rubbishing us. And that’s not all. Diotrefees does other bad things too. Whenever Christians come to tell people about Jesus, Diotrefees doesn’t let them come to church or stay at his house. And if somebody else in the church says, “I want to help those Christians,” then Diotrefees says, “No, don’t help them.” And he tells that person that they are not allowed to come to church any more.

Read all of 3 John 1

Cross References

Mark 10:35Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, went up to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to do something good for us. Will you do what we ask you?”

Philippians 2:3Each of you has to think about what is good for the others. Don’t only think about what is good for yourself. Don’t think that you are better than other people, but think that they are better than you. And don’t do things only to get people to say you are good. And don’t try to be a boss over other people.

3 John 1:8So us Christian mob, we have to look after Christians that come to our town to tell people God’s true message. We have to give them food and money to help them do that work. In that way, we are helping those Christians to tell people God’s true message.

Matthew Henry on 3 John 1:4-9

The Character of Gaius. ( a. d. 90.) 3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; 6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7 Because that for his name's sake they went… Read the whole commentary →

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Study 3 John 1:9