Diotrephes is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Third Epistle of John. His name appears in 3 John 1:9-10, where the Apostle John addresses issues concerning the behavior and influence of Diotrephes within the early Christian community. The brief mention of Diotrephes provides insight into the challenges faced by the early Church in maintaining unity and doctrinal purity.

Biblical Reference:

In 3 John 1:9-10 , the Apostle John writes: "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome the brothers and stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church."

Character and Actions:

Diotrephes is characterized by his desire for preeminence within the church. The phrase "who loves to be first" suggests a self-seeking attitude, prioritizing his own authority and influence over the communal and apostolic guidance. This behavior is contrary to the teachings of Christ, who emphasized humility and servanthood (Matthew 20:26-28).

John accuses Diotrephes of rejecting apostolic authority, as he "will not accept our instruction." This rejection indicates a significant breach in the early Church's structure, where apostolic teaching was foundational for maintaining doctrinal integrity and unity. Diotrephes' actions are further described as spreading "malicious nonsense," suggesting that he engaged in slander or false accusations against the apostolic leaders, thereby undermining their authority and sowing discord.

Moreover, Diotrephes' refusal to welcome traveling brothers, likely itinerant preachers or missionaries, reflects a lack of hospitality and support for the broader mission of the Church. His actions of stopping others from welcoming these brothers and even expelling them from the church demonstrate an authoritarian approach, contrary to the inclusive and supportive nature of early Christian fellowship.

Theological Implications:

The account of Diotrephes serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the misuse of authority within the Church. His behavior exemplifies the potential for division when personal ambition supersedes communal and apostolic guidance. The early Church faced numerous challenges, including false teachings and internal strife, and Diotrephes' actions highlight the need for vigilance in preserving the unity and purity of the faith.

John's response to Diotrephes underscores the importance of apostolic authority and the need for accountability within the Church. By intending to "call attention to what he is doing," John demonstrates the necessity of addressing issues of misconduct and ensuring that church leaders adhere to the teachings of Christ and the apostles.

Historical Context:

The mention of Diotrephes in 3 John provides a glimpse into the dynamics of early Christian communities. The early Church was a network of house churches, often led by local leaders who were expected to uphold apostolic teaching. Conflicts such as the one involving Diotrephes reveal the challenges of maintaining unity and orthodoxy in a rapidly growing and diverse movement.

The epistle's focus on hospitality and support for itinerant preachers reflects the missionary nature of the early Church. The refusal of Diotrephes to welcome these individuals not only hindered the spread of the Gospel but also disrupted the interconnectedness of the Christian community.

Conclusion:

The account of Diotrephes in 3 John serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, hospitality, and adherence to apostolic teaching within the Church. His actions provide a warning against the dangers of pride and the misuse of authority, emphasizing the need for accountability and unity in the body of Christ.3 John 1:9
I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.
Nave's Topical Index

Independence of Christianity
... jeered, is the highest honor that a Christian minister can have ... I had seen the minister
from Monday morning till ... no longer seeking to be like Diotrephes; I saw ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/independence of christianity.htm

Pride and Humility
... thy fellow-creatures, and be a very Diotrephes in the ... you the noble bearing of a
Christian before others ... Some think that minister are proud when they resent any ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

The Theory of the Church, and the History of Its Perversion.
... out of the Church." [640:1] This Diotrephes seems to ... was without efficacy when
promulgated by a minister who did ... whatsoever he be, he is not a Christian who is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter xiii the theory of.htm

Introductory Note to Iren??us against Heresies
... of Eleutherus, and the spirit of Diotrephes in Victor ... of the most precious remains
of early Christian antiquity ... been set forth by Gallasius, a minister of Geneva ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/introductory note to irenaeus against.htm

Christ's People --Imitators of Him
... How many there are of you like Diotrephes, seeking pre-eminence? ... it is my house"it
is not my minister, it is ... not believe a man to be a true Christian if his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christs peopleimitators of him.htm

Pride and Humility
... all thy fellow-creatures, and be a very Diotrephes in the ... gives you the noble bearing
of a Christian before others. ... I conceive that a minister should be like a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Introduction.
... second Epistle, xi.20; and like Diotrephes, mentioned by ... from the apostolical succession
of the minister, is so ... deserves to be called anti-christian; for there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/introduction.htm

A Persuasive to Steadfastness
... The difference between the Christian and the professor is ... first of God's people to
play the part of Diotrephes. ... I love God's people; and may I minister to them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a persuasive to steadfastness.htm

The God of Peace
... Christian! ... "Diotrephes loveth to have the pre-eminence," and that fellow has spoiled ...
One minister, perhaps, is envious of another, because one church is full ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... Courteous Reader,. Be intreated to believe me, I had not set pen to paper about
this controversy, had we been let alone at quiet in our Christian communion. ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

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