Book of 3 John - Chapter 1 - Verse 9

In this verse, John is addressing a situation where there is discord within the church. He writes to the church, but Diotrephes, a prominent member who seeks to have authority and control over others, does not receive John or his message. This verse serves as a warning against pride, arrogance, and selfish ambition within the church. It highlights the importance of humility, unity, and following the teachings of Christ rather than seeking personal gain or power. By including this verse on the website, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes and actions within their faith communities. It reminds believers to strive for harmony, respect for others, and to prioritize serving one another rather than seeking recognition or dominance. Through this verse, readers are reminded of the importance of love, humility, and unity in the body of Christ.

In this passage, the apostle John writes to the church about a man named Diotrephes who is causing trouble in the community. The name Diotrephes means "nourished by Jupiter" in Greek, indicating a possible connection to pagan practices. The verse highlights Diotrephes' desire for preeminence, showing that he seeks to be the leader and have authority over others within the church. The word "preeminence" in Greek is translated from the word "φιλοπρωτεύω" which means to love to be first or to be preeminent. This suggests that Diotrephes is driven by a selfish ambition to exalt himself above others. Despite the apostle John's attempt to address the situation through his letter, Diotrephes refuses to receive the message and rejects the authority of John and his associates. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility and obedience within the church community.