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Diotrephes’ Pride and Rebellion

Category: Failure of humility & submission

Could endure: Welcome and support apostolic authority.
“We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.” (3 John 8)
Cross-Refs: 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13; Hebrews 13:17.

Chose wrongly: Loved to be first, refused to welcome the apostles.
“Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us.” (3 John 9)
Cross-Refs: Mark 9:35; Philippians 2:3.

Endured (negatively): Slandered the apostles with malicious words.
“He is spreading malicious nonsense about us.” (3 John 10a)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 52:2–4; James 3:6.

Why (wrong motive): Pride, lust for power, rejection of truth.
“Who loves to be first.” (3 John 9)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:5.

Result: Condemned and exposed.
“When I come, I will call attention to what he is doing.” (3 John 10a)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 4:5; Revelation 2:20.

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Refusing Hospitality

Category: Failure of love

Could endure: Receive and support God’s workers.
“You are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.” (3 John 5)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 25:35; Hebrews 13:2.

Chose wrongly: Refused to welcome the believers.
“He refuses to welcome other believers.” (3 John 10b)
Cross-Refs: Luke 9:53; James 2:15–16.

Endured (negatively): Hindered gospel work.
“He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.” (3 John 10c)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 23:13; Acts 13:45.

Why (wrong motive): Self-interest, fear of losing power.
“…puts them out of the church.” (3 John 10c)
Cross-Refs: Ezekiel 34:4; John 12:43.

Result: Loss of fellowship and testimony.
“Do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” (3 John 11)
Cross-Refs: Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6.