06/09/2026
“I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with malicious words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brothers either, and he forbids those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.” - 3 John 9-10
Last Sunday night I spoke from 3 John. We went through the entire letter of 15 verses. In this short letter you will read about Gaius, Diotrophes, and Demetrius. Gaius is praised for his hospitality and kindness. Demetrius has a “good testimony from everyone” (3 John 12). Sandwiched between these wonderful examples of Christian living is the problematic Diotrophes (see v. 9-10 above). Diotrophes was my focus. I am saddened by this tragic individual and I am curious to know more about him.
Diotrophes is first described as a person who desires preeminence. He desires to be first. He needs to have the light shining on him at all time. That is a far cry from humility. He is also described as a person who “does not accept what we say”. The author is the Apostle John (called the “elder” in v. 1) and Diotrophes has snatched his previous letters so that it cannot reach its intended audience. I think this is why this particular letter is addressed to Gaius (v. 1) so that the message can get through.
Since Diotrophes likes to control the information and correspondence you have to wonder why that is? Apparently he was speaking against the Apostles, speaking wickedly about them, gossiping, etc. John is interested in “calling attention to his deeds” which are described as “malicious words” (v. 10) if he is able to make a visit.
Diotrophes also refuses to receive certain brethren like Demetrius who has a good reputation (v. 12). Imagine the scene. Good Christians are trying to join themselves to a local church and this ungodly person like Diotrophes will not allow it. In fact he is responsible for putting fine Christians “out of the church” (v. 10). Since Demetrius has a good reputation but was victimized by Diotrophes you can hear John saying “you have to be kidding me! If anyone deserves a place in a local congregation it is Demetrius!”
My question is, “WHO DOES THIS GUY THINK HE IS???” Diotrophes has all the power on his shoulders. He is rejecting apostolic letters, he is throwing out Christians who are well received by other Christians, he is not allowing Christians to join the congregation. Who does this guy think he is?
I have further questions. Was he an elder? Was he just a talented manipulator of a man who was able to draw power to himself? Was an eldership in place? Was he a member who pulled power to himself without an eldership? I don’t know the answers to these questions but I am curious how all of this could happen. He is acting in clear disregard of Christian attitudes and yet he remains.
You have to love the words by the author “if I come…” (v. 10). John seems eager to make a visit and set the record straight and show him and everyone what kind of man that Diotrophes truly is.
Let me say this again: the attitude of pre-eminence is sinful! Diotrophes became the point man. Everything had to run through him. These actions are totally unacceptable to God. He sounds like a raging ego-maniac! Look at the destruction he was able to bring to this local church. No one should desire to be first among men. We are supposed to put others in front of us, we are to be servants. The Bible clearly teaches the opposite of pre-eminence. I have seen local churches where a Diotrophes runs the show. You might as well call it the “Diotrophes church of Christ” because nothing is done without their approval.
I can think of a couple of Diotrophes I have worshipped with in the past. I know that if you were to ask them they would tell you that they are truly doing the Lord’s work. They have convinced themselves that what they are doing is legitimate. They do not think they are sinning by their actions. They believe they are acting in the best interest of the local church by trying to help the congregation, presumably making Godly stands, doing all it takes to preserve the cause of Christ, etc. What they fail to see is the consequences of their ungodly actions. They are blinded by pride. Remember, they desire to be first and to be in the spotlight. That is all that matters. Meanwhile, good Christians suffer! Good intentions do not justify ungodly actions. John cannot wait to make a visit and confront this serious problem face to face.
After my lesson last Sunday night I was moved by several who came to me afterwards, including the next day, to share their versions of a run in with a Diotrophes type in a local church. Sadly this problem is more acute than we might want to realize or admit. I talked to one lady whose husband was a Gospel preacher who passed away in recent years. She was almost in tears with her stories. I can relate. Others simply lamented the mistreatment they received, or other good Christians received, at the hands of a Diotrophes’ type.
Diotrophes can spring up anywhere and at anytime. These bullies need to be stood up against. We need to stand up against this sin. We need to double down on what Biblical leadership is which includes the Two Greatest Commands (Matt 22:37ff), the Golden Rule (Matt 7:12), and servant leadership exemplified in the life of Jesus. We should never let sinful (worldly) ideas of leadership creep into our churches which can be characterized as loud and proud. When Diotrophes steps into power much hurt is going to follow. Christians will be hurt. Local congregations will suffer and likely fizzle out. The remedy is always the Gospel! Follow God’s Word and do not allow sinful attitudes like pride to take hold. Do not tolerate the sinful attitude of pre-eminence.
