Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.” — 3 John 1:9–10 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

After commending Gaius for his faithfulness and generosity, John turns to a serious problem within the church. A man named Diotrephes apparently held considerable influence there, perhaps as a pastor or elder. Whatever his exact position, he possessed enough authority to reject John’s communication, refuse hospitality to traveling Gospel workers, prevent others from helping them, and even put people out of the church when they opposed him.

That makes Gaius’ faithfulness even more remarkable. He wasn’t simply doing what was right when everyone agreed with him. He apparently continued supporting these Gospel workers despite opposition from an influential leader.

John gives us a revealing description of Diotrephes: he “likes to put himself first.”

That attitude seems to explain much of what followed. Diotrephes loved prominence. He rejected legitimate spiritual authority and correction. He spread accusations against John and others. And rather than welcoming those who had gone out for the sake of Christ, he refused them and prevented others from helping them.

His leadership had become about protecting his own position rather than advancing God’s Kingdom.

This temptation certainly didn’t disappear with Diotrephes. Leadership can feed our pride. We can begin by appreciating respect and eventually demand it. We can enjoy being listened to and eventually resent anyone who questions us. Correction begins to feel like an attack, and people who should be partners begin to look like threats.

That is why Diotrephes gives us several important warnings.

First, we should recognize unhealthy spiritual leadership. A leader who constantly needs to be first, refuses accountability, attacks those who question him, and uses authority to control others is displaying serious spiritual warning signs. We should not ignore such behavior simply because someone holds a respected position.

Second, serious problems sometimes need to be confronted. John tells Gaius, “If I come, I will bring up what he is doing.” John wasn’t going to pretend the problem didn’t exist. Yet Christian confrontation should never be motivated by the pleasure of putting someone in his place. The goal should ultimately be repentance and restoration. If Diotrephes was a brother who had wandered into serious sin, he needed correction—but he also needed restoration to fellowship with the Lord.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we shouldn’t read this passage only looking for Diotrephes in someone else.

We should look for Diotrephes in ourselves.

The seeds of pride that grew in his heart can grow in ours. We can become defensive when corrected. We can resent someone who receives recognition we wanted. We can protect our influence rather than advance God’s Kingdom. And we can surround ourselves with people who agree with us while avoiding anyone willing to tell us we might be wrong.

So remain close to Christ. Pray continually. Renew your mind through God’s Word. Invite accountability. Listen to trusted believers. Admit when you are wrong. Stay teachable. Don’t place yourself on an island where no one is allowed to question you.

Diotrephes wanted to be first. Jesus taught His followers to become servants.

Whatever influence God has entrusted to us, may we never use it to build our own little kingdoms.

May we use it to build His.

Reflection Questions

1. How do I normally respond when someone questions or corrects me?
2. Do I see any warning signs from Diotrephes’ life—pride, defensiveness, desire for recognition, or resistance to accountability—in myself?
3. Do I have trusted believers who are allowed to tell me when I am wrong?
4. How can I use the influence God has given me to build His Kingdom rather than my own?

Closing Prayer

Father, guard my heart against pride and the desire to put myself first. Keep me humble, teachable, and willing to receive correction. Give me wisdom and courage when unhealthy leadership must be confronted, while keeping my motives rooted in love and restoration. Surround me with faithful people who will speak truth into my life. Whatever influence You give me, help me use it to serve others, advance Your Kingdom, and bring glory to Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, Amen.