What does 3 John 1:9 mean?

Explanation

3 John 1:9 is a verse located in the very short epistle of 3 John, which is attributed to the Apostle John.

The verse is part of the private correspondence between the apostle and a man named Gaius.

Here, John is expressing his concerns about an individual within the church named Diotrephes.

Diotrephes is accused of loving "to have the preeminence," meaning he desired to be the foremost authority or hold the highest place among the members.

Furthermore, John criticizes Diotrephes for not acknowledging his authority or receiving him, which implies that Diotrephes was resisting the guidance and leadership being offered by John, who was a pillar of the early Christian church.

The deeper meaning of the verse highlights issues of authority, humility, and submission within the Christian community. It raises questions about what happens when individuals seek power and status above service and obedience to the community's agreed-upon leaders or to apostolic authority.

Historical Context

The epistle of 3 John is commonly dated to the late 1st or early 2nd century A.D.

This was a time when the early Christian church was under Roman rule and frequently faced persecution.

The church relied on the authority and teachings of the apostles, including John, who were seen as direct witnesses to the life of Jesus.

The specific issue with Diotrephes suggests that there were internal conflicts and power struggles within the young Christian communities.

Disagreements over leadership, orthodoxy, and church hierarchy were not uncommon as the faith was still in its formative stages.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the behavior of Diotrephes challenges the Christian concepts of servant leadership and unity in the body of Christ. John's critique implies that Diotrephes' desire for preeminence is not aligned with the humility and servitude exemplified by Jesus.

Different denominations and theological traditions may interpret Diotrephes’ actions and John's subsequent criticism in various ways.

For instance, Catholic and Orthodox traditions, which emphasize apostolic succession, may see this incident as underscoring the importance of maintaining respect for ecclesiastical authority.

Protestant traditions, on the other hand, might focus on the dangers of centralizing too much power in individual church leaders.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and self-important behavior within church leadership or any community environment.

It emphasizes the need to be receptive to genuine authority, especially when it comes from those who have been recognized as having wisdom and experience.

It encourages believers not to seek personal recognition or dominance at the expense of the community's well-being.

Cross-References

• 1 Peter 5:3: "Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
• Philippians 2:3: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
• Matthew 20:26-27: "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:"

Language Study

The Greek term used for "loveth to have the preeminence" (φιλοπρωτεύων, philoproteuon) implies a fondness or love for being first or having the chief place. The verb form speaks to a continuous or characteristic action, indicating that Diotrephes' behavior might have been an ongoing issue.

The word "receiveth" (ἐπιδέχομαι, epidéchomai) conveys the idea of welcoming or accepting.

It suggests that Diotrephes was not just ignoring John's authority but actively choosing not to acknowledge or welcome him and potentially his teachings into the community.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The struggle for power and authority seen in 3 John 1:9 is not unique to Christianity and can be noted in various cultural and religious contexts.

For example, in the Hindu epic the Mahabharata, there are numerous instances where characters vie for political and moral authority often leading to conflict.

In the Jewish tradition, the Pharisees and Sadducees at times sought to establish their dominance over religious matters, as depicted in the New Testament.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, it can indirectly be related to the study of human behavior, particularly in the field of social psychology.

Issues of power dynamics, authority, and group hierarchy are ripe for analysis through modern psychological studies.

The human tendency towards seeking status and the consequences of such behavior on group cohesion and function could be explored in relation to Diotrephes’ actions.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided various interpretations of 3 John 1:9.

Some see Diotrephes as a prototype of later church leaders who might abuse their authority.

Others suggest that the conflict may have emerged from a doctrinal disagreement or a broader struggle within the early church over gentile inclusion.

John's own authority is also a point of discussion, as his approach shows pastoral concern but also a level of firmness in addressing problems within the Christian community.

The overall consensus is that the situation with Diotrephes is an example of the challenges of maintaining unity and proper authority within the church.