S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Diotrephes is mentioned in one passage of the Bible, in the short letter of 3 John. In brief, Diotrephes was a self-seeking troublemaker in an unnamed local church in the first century. We know not...

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October 03 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Who was Diotrephes in the Bible?

Diotrephes was mentioned by the apostle John in his letter to Gaius. In addition to being ambitious, proud, disrespectful of apostolic authority, rebellious, and inhospitable, Diotrephes sought to hinder those who desired to show hospitality to the brothers and to expel them from the congregation.​—3Jo 9, 10.

Diotrephes had lofty eyes, a thing hateful to God, and he was disrespectful of theocratic authority, even chattering wickedly about the apostle John. (Prov. 6:16, 17) He was putting a roadblock to the congregation's Christian hospitality. No wonder John was so outspoken against this evil and in favour of genuine Christian love in the congregation. 

The apostle John stated concerning a slanderer in his day: "I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not receive anything from us with respect. That is why, if I come, I will call to remembrance his works which he goes on doing, chattering about us with wicked words.” (3 John 9, 10) Diotrephes was slandering John and deserved to be called to account for it. What loyal Christian would want to be like Diotrephes and imitate Satan, the great slanderer?

Conclusion:

Diotrephes was an influential, power-hungry man in an early Christian church, mentioned in the Third Epistle of John (3 John 1:9-11). The Apostle John writes about his "wicked nonsense" and actions that caused division and hindered the work of the gospel. 

Character and Actions:

1: Diotrephes is primarily known for his negative traits and actions as described by John in his letter to Gaius, a faithful congregation member. 

2: Love of Preeminence: John notes that Diotrephes "loves to be first among them" (3 John 9), indicating pride and a desire for control and a position of honour within the church, in direct opposition to the humble leadership style taught by Jesus.

3: Rejection of Apostolic Authority: Diotrephes refused to acknowledge the authority of the Apostle John and his representatives. This defiance undermined the unity and doctrinal integrity that the apostles worked to establish in the early congregation.

4: Malicious Slander: He spread false and malicious accusations against John and his associates, using "wicked words" to damage their reputation and influence.

5: Inhospitality and Expulsion: Hospitality was a crucial practice in the early congregation for supporting travelling ministers. Diotrephes not only refused to welcome John's travelling brothers himself but also forbade others from doing so and even expelled those who did from the congregation, a misuse of power that disrupted fellowship.

Warning:

Diotrephes serves as a cautionary example in the New Testament against pride, selfish ambition, and divisive behaviour within the Christian community. 

The account shows that even the early congregation faced internal conflicts and power struggles, underscoring the importance of humility and servant leadership. 

John's letter exposed Diotrephes' wrongdoing and encouraged the congregation to follow the good example of others, such as Demetrius.

7 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report