Glossa Ordinaria

I would perhaps have written, etc. You ought to persevere in almsgiving, for I understand so great a usefulness in it that I would have written of the commendation of almsgiving not only to you but even to the whole Church; but I let this go of necessity, because Diotrephes does not regard our authority. Diotrephes, a heresiarch of that time, was usurping headship for himself by teaching novelties. Diotrephes is interpreted speciously foolish, or beauty running mad, so that he might mark the treachery of his heart even by his name. To the Church. I would have written to that Church which is perhaps — that is, doubtfully — a Church, and that through the practice of almsgiving it might deserve to become a perfect Church.