Editing Third Epistle of John (section)

===Opposition of Diotrephes===
The Elder next describes his conflict with [[Diotrephes]], who does not acknowledge the Elder's authority and is [[Excommunication|excommunicating]] those, like Gaius, who welcome missionaries sent by the Elder.<ref>Painter, 374–375</ref> In verse 9 the Elder mentions a previous letter which he has written to the church which was suppressed by Diotrephes, and says that he intends to visit the church and to confront Diotrephes.<ref>Painter, 374–375; Stott, 227</ref> "The church" is apparently known to Gaius, but he is likely not a member of it, since otherwise the Elder would not need to provide him with information about Diotrephes's activities.<ref name="Dodd160"/> The dispute between Diotrephes and the Elder seems to be based on church leadership and authority rather than doctrine, since the Elder does not accuse Diotrephes of teaching heresy.<ref>Dodd, 165</ref>

Most scholars do not connect the letter the Elder mentions with 2 John, since 3 John does not contain any reference to the doctrinal controversy described in 2 John, and argue that the Elder is here referring to a previous letter of recommendation.<ref>Dodd, 160; Painter, 363</ref> [[John Painter (theologian)|John Painter]], however, argues the Elder is in fact referring to 2 John, since there is overlap between 2 John 9 and the theme of hospitality in 3 John.<ref>Painter, 374–376</ref>

The Elder closes this section with an entreaty to Gaius: "Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God."<ref>3 John 11, ESV</ref> This injunction is reminiscent of several passages in 1 John (2:3–5, 3:4–10, 4:7).<ref>Dodd, 165–166</ref>