3 John 1:9

⁷ Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

⁸ We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

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

¹⁰ Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

¹¹ Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
KJV: I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
WEB: I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.
ASV: I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
DARBY: I wrote something to the assembly; but Diotrephes, who loves to have the first place among them, receives us not.
BLB: I did write something to the church; but the one loving to be first among them, Diotrephes, does not welcome us.

ÅB: Jeg har skrevet noe til menigheten; men Diotrefes, som gjerne vil være førstemann iblant dem, tar ikke imot oss.
OTB: Jeg skrev et brev til menigheten; men Diotrefes, som elsker å være den fremste blant dem, anerkjenner ikke vår autoritet.
B1930: Jeg har skrevet noget til menigheten; men Diotrefes, som gjerne vil være førstemann iblandt dem, tar ikke imot oss.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

Titus 1:7–16
For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Read in context
Luke 22:24–27
And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
Read in context
Matthew 23:4–8
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Read in context
Luke 9:48
And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
Read in context
Mark 9:34
But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
Read in context
Matthew 10:40–42
He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Read in context
Philippians 2:3–5
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Read in context
Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Read in context