3 John 9–10
Reject a Bad Example
Commentary, leadership insight, people profiles, and Bible study resources to help you recognize the danger of pride, control, and unaccountable influence.
Begin with Scripture
Read 3 John 9–10 Before Using These Resources
Ask God to expose pride, selfish ambition, resistance to correction, or a desire for control in your own heart. Read the passage slowly and wrestle with it before consulting commentary.
These resources are designed to supplement—not replace—your own study of Scripture.
Study It for Yourself
Pray. Read. Ask. Pray.
If you are using 3 John: A Guided Journey Through Scripture, complete the journal pages for this passage before exploring the resources below.
1. Pray
Invite God to examine your motives, relationships, words, and response to accountability.
2. Read
Read 3 John 9–10 more than once. Record the actions, attitudes, questions, and warnings you notice.
3. Ask
Use P.E.T.S. to look for a promise or prayer, an example, a truth, a sin, or Scripture to remember.
4. Pray
Turn what you discovered into confession, intercession, thanksgiving, and humble obedience.
What Happens in 3 John 9–10?
John turns from praising Gaius to confronting Diotrephes, an influential man whose desire for prominence damaged relationships, rejected rightful accountability, obstructed gospel hospitality, and harmed the church.
- Diotrephes loves to be first.
- He refuses to acknowledge John’s authority.
- He spreads malicious accusations.
- He refuses hospitality to faithful gospel workers.
- He removes believers who attempt to welcome them.
Choose Your Depth
Commentary for 3 John 9–10
Choose the level that best fits your needs. You do not need to use every resource.
Foundations
Read and Understand
Begin with a clear and accessible explanation of 3 John and the warning presented by Diotrephes.
Best for: personal study, devotional reading, new believers, and groups
Explore Foundations →Leader
Lead with Humility
Examine what Diotrephes teaches pastors, teachers, ministry leaders, and churches about pride, authority, accountability, and healthy leadership.
Best for: pastors, teachers, group leaders, and ministry teams
Read Leader Commentary →Deep Roots
Explore the Depth
Investigate the historical setting, language, church dynamics, theology, and interpretive questions behind John’s confrontation.
Best for: advanced students, pastors, researchers, and sermon preparation
Read Deep Roots →Person in the Passage
Who Was Diotrephes?
Diotrephes appears only in this short letter, yet John gives enough detail to reveal the destructive reach of pride. His desire to be first affected his response to authority, his speech, his treatment of gospel workers, and the freedom of other believers.
His example warns every Christian—not only recognized leaders—about using influence to control, exclude, or harm others.
Related Background
Hospitality Clarifies the Conflict
Diotrephes did more than decline to host a visitor. By refusing faithful gospel workers and stopping others from receiving them, he obstructed Christian partnership and attempted to control the church’s participation in gospel ministry.
Why Hospitality Mattered →Selfish Control or Humble Leadership?
Selfish Control
- Loves recognition and prominence
- Resists legitimate accountability
- Uses words to discredit others
- Uses influence to exclude and control
Humble Leadership
- Seeks Christ’s honor rather than position
- Welcomes correction and accountability
- Uses words to build up and clarify truth
- Uses influence to serve and strengthen others
As You Study, Notice
- What Diotrephes loves
- How pride shapes his words and actions
- Whom his behavior harms
- How John intends to respond
Questions for Reflection
- Where am I tempted to insist on my own way?
- How do I respond when corrected?
- Have my words unfairly harmed someone?
- Do I use influence to serve or control?
A Note About Harmful Leadership
This passage calls believers to reject prideful and destructive behavior; it does not require someone to remain in an unsafe or abusive situation. If you are experiencing manipulation, intimidation, retaliation, or spiritual abuse, seek help from trustworthy and accountable church leaders or qualified support outside the immediate situation.
Continue Your Journey
From a Bad Example to a Good One
Choose Humility Over Prominence
Invite God to examine your heart. Confess pride where He reveals it, receive correction with humility, and use whatever influence you have to serve rather than control.
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