ACC ~ 3 John 1 v10

CORRUPTING OTHERS. BEDE: It is true that we must do nothing to stir up the tongues of accusers, lest they should perish on our account. Likewise we must patiently endure those who attack us because of their own wickedness, so that we may become better people. Nevertheless there are times when we have to protest, because those who spread evil stories about us may corrupt the minds of innocent people who otherwise would have heard nothing but good about us. This is why John objects to his accuser. ON 3 JOHN.

REFUSING TO WELCOME THE BROTHERS. OECUMENIUS: If the principle of the gospel is that we should not return evil for evil, what is the meaning of this warning? I think that the answer is that we are not to return evil for evil when the injury has been done to us personally and to no one else. But when it affects others, we must heed what Paul says to Elymas, who was corrupting the ways of the Lord: “You son of the devil.” COMMENTARY ON 3 JOHN.

3 Jn