1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. 6They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, 7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say. 10Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.
11Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God. 12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen; 14but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.
Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
John’s response to him is given. This “if” can be understood as may or may not be true (third-class conditional sentence). However, all indications are that John plans on coming. Therefore, it is better to see John saying, “When I come, I just don’t know when.” John promises to confront Diotrephes for what he has done, his “deeds,” not for his motives. He then gives an example of Diotrephes’ deeds. First, he attacks John by accusing him of saying things he has not said. This is the idea of intentionally misquoting John. Second, along with attacking John, he refuses to accept the representatives sent out by John. His rejection is imposed on the rest of the church to the point that anyone who opposes him is excommunicated.
This verse indicates that one portion of the church in that town met in Diotrephes’ home. His actions also show that he has control and exercises his control against anyone who acts in support of John. These are the issues John will address when he comes.