“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.”– 3 John 1:10 (KJV)
“So if I come, I will report some of the things he is doing; spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome other believers. He also tells others not to help them, and when they do, he puts them out of the church.”– 3 John 1:10 (NLT)
“But if I come, I’ll put jellybeans in his smoothie. He’s been spreading malicious nonsense about us and not satisfied with that, refuses to see other believers. He also tells others not to help them and, quite honestly, puts them out of the church.”– 3 John 1:10(MSG)
What Does 3 John 1:10 Mean?
This verse highlights a significant issue in early Christian communities—conflict and false teachings. John, as a leader and an apostle in the early church, is taking a stance against Diotrephes, a man who evidently wielded some power and influence in the church. His actions, as described in the verse, show that he is causing division among believers and spreading falsehoods. When we look carefully at the text, we see there is much to unpack about the nature of Diotrephes’ behavior. A noteworthy aspect is the malicious gossip he spreads about fellow believers, which is particularly damaging. Gossip can create discord among friends and family, making it an important subject to discuss.
We are reminded here of the necessity of truth and integrity in our interactions with one another. The actions of Diotrephes can serve as an example of what we must avoid in our own relationships, particularly within the church. Rather than embracing the spirit of unity that is central to Christian living, he chooses a path that fosters separation and animosity. This is a significant warning for us, especially in today’s world, where rumors and gossip can spread like wildfire.
3 John 1:10 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, John is essentially outlining a situation involving Diotrephes, who was presenting certain issues in the church. We understand that Diotrephes was a leader, perhaps with strong opinions that went against the community’s unity and love for one another. The apostle refers to his ‘malicious words,’ which points to the negative and harmful messages that he was spreading about John and other believers. Such behavior does not just create a toxic environment but affects the hearts of those involved, potentially causing them to stray away from truth.
John contrasts Diotrephes’ actions against his own desire for unity and friendship among believers. This is further demonstrated through the wisdom of the book of Proverbs, which encourages wise speech and healthy relationships. Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.” We must ask ourselves, how can we extend grace and truth to those around us, and how do we ensure that our words build up rather than tear down?
Additionally, we recognize John’s intention to confront this behavior when he mentions that he will remember the deeds of Diotrephes upon his arrival. This confrontation is not just about exposing wrongdoing; rather, it is about holding individuals accountable. Accountability is essential in any community, but especially in the church. We need to take time to examine our interactions and possibly reconsider how we view and treat one another.
Through this commentary, we find a deep call to examine our behavior in the modern-day church context. We might not be spreading lies or slander against others, but can we be mindful of our actions and words, ensuring that they reflect Christ? Are we contributing to unity or division? As we navigate our spiritual communities, we should aim to support one another in faith and love, reminding one another of the truth in grace.
Context of 3 John 1:10
Understanding the context of this verse is vital for grasping its significance. 3 John was written not long after the death of Jesus, during a time when the early church was trying to establish its identity and community. Pilgrimages to worship and fellowship were common, and so were communication challenges. John’s letter serves as a personal note, likely directed to Gaius, and he expresses his thanks for Gaius’s hospitality and good deeds.
Diotrephes’ actions seem to be a dramatic contrast to Gaius’ character. Where Diotrephes isolates and slanders, Gaius welcomes and uplifts. Understanding this contrast informs our interpretation of the positive role we can play within our communities. The early church needed leaders who exemplified faithfulness and strong moral character, yet they also required protection against those who would lead them astray.
As we read through the letters of John, we see a constant theme of love and unity. John’s emphasis on believers supporting one another became foundational for the church. This kind of support is encouraged in 1 John 4:21, “And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” This command highlights what true believers should strive for: love for one another instead of contempt or division, motivating us to reject accusations and commit ourselves to harmony.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 3 John 1:10
Let us closely examine the key phrases found within this verse. The term “malicious words” is alarming as it indicates deliberate actions intended to harm others’ reputations. Words hold significant power, and this highlights the need for responsible communication among believers. As we talk about our brothers and sisters in Christ, we must focus on grace rather than criticism. What excitement we can bring to our communities by being bearers of uplifting communication rather than harmful gossip!
We should also contemplate the phrase, “forbiddeth them that would.” Diotrephes actively denies hospitality to other believers, isolating himself both socially and spiritually. The Church was intended to be a haven of support and love, and his actions led to the opposite. In being welcoming and open, we fulfill the call of Christ to love one another through our actions. Refusing to aid one another runs counter to the teachings of Christ, and this must serve as a strong reminder for us.
When John mentions that Diotrephes casts others out of the church, it shows a misuse of authority. Leadership positions come with immense responsibility, and it is crucial for leaders to act justly. Psalm 82:3 teaches us, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” We must keep this in mind when in positions of authority and ensure we reflect God’s love and compassion.
Lastly, John’s resolve to confront Diotrephes indicates the importance of accountability in Christian communities. Leaders must recognize the responsibility that comes with their roles and strive to embody humility in their service. Authentic accountability fosters trust and respect among one another.
Lessons to Learn From 3 John 1:10
This verse conveys key lessons for us as believers today. One critical lesson is the significance of our words. We need to be aware of how we communicate with others. Gossip and slander can inflict deep wounds and cause lasting damage within our communities. Instead, we ought to use our language to build up and encourage, reflecting the love of Jesus in our conversations.
In addition, we must remember the value of hospitality and community. As believers, we are called to welcome one another and support the mission of the church. Being open-hearted towards fellow believers creates an environment where everyone can grow in their faith. Acts of kindness and welcoming atmosphere encourage those around us to connect and share love, leading us closer to God.
Importantly, we learn the necessity of accountability and proper leadership. Leaders must oversee their communities with wisdom and care, ensuring that they represent Christ in their words and actions. A leader should guide by example, motivating people to demonstrate love and compassion as part of their ministry. The church additionally needs to cultivate relationships based on truth rather than criticism.
Lastly, as we reflect on these teachings, let’s remember the purpose of a loving community in advancing God’s Kingdom. When we act in accordance with God’s values, we develop relationships that inspire transformation and healing. We are called to model love, grace, and truth in everything we say and do.
Final Thoughts
3 John 1:10 offers compelling insights into the dynamics that can occur within a community of believers. The behaviors exhibited by Diotrephes are cautionary tales about the harsh effects of gossip, isolation, and misused authority. Instead, we should strive to cultivate a loving environment that encourages support, hospitality, and truth, echoing the teachings of Jesus.
Let us take the teachings of this scripture to heart in our daily interactions. As we look for ways to promote love and kindness, we can help create a church that truly reflects the heart of Christ. In doing so, we are proclaiming a message of hope in environments where negativity and frustration can easily take hold.
As we explore more teachings in the Bible, let us stay grounded in love and lean into our community’s spirit. We can also deepen our understanding by reading passages like 1 John 4:14, 1 John 4:15, and 1 John 4:16. These scriptures remind us of the importance of love among believers and the powerful bond we share in Christ.