## congregation ##

This refers to Gaius and the group of believers who met together to worship God.

## Diotrephes ##

He was a member of the congregation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

## who loves to be first among them ##

"who loves to act like their leader"

## does not receive us ##

The word "us" refers to John and those with him. It does not include Gaius. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

## how he says ridiculous things against us with evil words ##

"and how he says evil things about us that certainly are not true"

## he himself ##

The word "himself" emphasizes that it is Diotrephes who does these things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

## does not receive the brothers ##

"does not welcome the fellow believers"

## and forbids those who desire to ##

There are some words in this phrase that are left out, but they are understood. Alternate translation: "and he stops those who want to welcome the believers." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

## and drives them out ##

"and he forces them out." The word "them" refers to those who want to welcome the fellow believers.