3 John 9–10 (NIV),
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when 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 other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.
This letter of Paul's that he references is not known to us. Diotrephes appears to be a church leader in the same church as Gaius, or at least a church near and known to Gaius. Apparently he is a man that loves first place. He is a man that is spreading false rumors. He refuses to to welcome true believers. When people do extend a welcome to others, he puts them out of the church.
John promises to deal with him when he comes to visit. Who is this guy? Obviously this was a man of some prominence and influence. Was he a fellow elder? We are not sure. If John wrote a letter on hospitality and Diotrephes ditched the letter, then this might make perfect sense. The point is that he was opposed to Apostolic authority and acting as an authority unto himself.
All we can be certain of is this: Diotrephes loves himself more than anyone else. He loves to have first place, preeminence. The Greek word philoprōteuō means literally, “to love first place.” He is unwilling to submit to others. Every church can have such an individual. "Diotrephes was clearly abusing his position of authority. For some reason he was jealous of the apostles and refused to allow them in his church. Instead of following the command for a pastor to be hospitable and “not quarrelsome” (2 Timothy 3:2–3), Diotrephes was inhospitable and pugnacious. Instead of seeking to be the servant of all (Mark 9:35), Diotrephes loved to be in charge." [1]
If Diotrephes was a fellow-elder then the exhortation of Peter is very relevant. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:2–3, NIV).
Father I am reminded that he who wants to be great must be a servant to all. Keep me free from self-centered, selfish ambition that runs steam-roller over others. Keep me from wanting to have the last word. Keep me from conversation that I twist and turn so that it's all about me. Keep me from the spirit of Diotrephes. What a cancer in the body of Christ? Oh Father that we would all put the interests of others before ourselves. Father that we would see others as more important than ourselves. Our Savior gave up His rightful place and entered into humanity as a servant. He served me by taking my sin on Himself. He gave me, freely, His righteousness. He died so that I would no longer live to myself, but for Him. Grant, by the Holy Spirit, the will and the power to serve and not be served, Father. Forgive me, for deep within my soul is a desire to be liked; a desire to be honored; and a desire to be affirmed. Kill it with Your Spirit's power, this day. For the sake of Jesus. Amen.
1. Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/Diotrephes-in-the-Bible.html#ixzz3GyZIkKsX
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