14. E. C. L., London. “I wrote unto the assembly: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not.” (3 John 1:99I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (3 John 9)) It is probable that the aged apostle wrote a letter of commendation to this assembly, commending these Itinerant preachers, or teachers. Mark, he did not recognize the man Diotrephes, but wrote to the assembly. There is no thought in this epistle of John having presented himself there. Gaius had done well in receiving these teachers. They had no salary, but went forth in dependence on God. And, “We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.” They held no official position, but if they preached the truth we ought to receive them.
As to the word “receive;” there are many Greek words translated “receive,” but this one in the New Testament, is only found in these two verses, 8 and 9: the meaning is plain. The subject however, is of great importance, as it is just the turning point of the history of the church, from ministry as of the Holy Ghost, in the first century, to the terrible clericalism that followed after. And simple as it is, yet it proves, that so far from ecclesiastical apostolic succession (in a man taking the place of pre-eminence over an assembly) being of God: it is so-utterly opposed to apostolic ministry, that where it had commenced, even the apostle John would not be received. The same thing was working in Paul’s day, thirty years before this. (See 2 Cor. 10:8-11; 11:13, 158For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. (2 Corinthians 10:8‑11)
13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:13)
15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:15).) It is well for the Christian to know that that system of ministry, or clericalism, falsely named apostolic succession, is the very opposite to that which Christ set up in the beginning.
How important is every part of the inspired scripture, and even this short letter to Gaius. He had received those whose only credential was the truth. To bring them on their journey preaching the truth, was to do well.
They went forth as the servants of Christ, for the love of the truth, for the truth is Christ, “We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.” They came with no pretensions of apostolic ordination. They were what men call laymen. And the man that took the place of what is called a clergyman now, would not receive such men, as John the apostle and these fellow laborers. Does John, does the Holy Ghost approve of this? Let verse 10 answer the question. So widespread has the system become, that is seen here in Diotrephes, that very few could even explain what that principle of ministry was, which John defends. Thus the path of individual faithfulness is approved by God, as may be seen in Gaius. How much that may be highly esteemed amongst men, may be utterly contrary to the mind of the Spirit, as revealed in the word of God.