3 John 1:9

I wrote, etc.] The Gk. makes the statement more exact by inserting an object of the verb—'I wrote somewhat to the Church.' Of this letter we have no further knowledge. Possibly a part of the offence of Diotrephes had been its suppression; so that this may be a hint to Gaius that the contents of this letter at least should be made known to the Church.

We know no more of Diotrephes. 3 John 1:10 may imply that he had the power of excommunication, and therefore was the official head of the Church to which Gaius belonged. It may, however, only imply that he had sufficient social influence to exclude the brethren from the Christian society of the place. His fondness for being preeminent had, at all events, brought him a certain local power.