Who is Diotrephes and why does John speak against him?

Diotrephes is a church leader who loved to have first place among the people. John says he refused to receive John’s letter and did not welcome the believers John had sent. Instead of helping them, he used harsh and empty talk against John and blocked others from showing hospitality. He even put people out of the church who wanted to help. John warns that this kind of proud and controlling spirit is evil and says he will deal with Diotrephes’ behavior when he comes.

What does it mean that Diotrephes loved to have the preeminence?

The phrase means Diotrephes wanted to be first and in charge. He wanted power and honor more than he wanted to serve. Instead of welcoming John’s guidance and caring for fellow believers, he acted like a ruler over the church. This drove him to reject John’s letter, speak badly about him, and stop others from helping traveling brothers. The passage shows that wanting to be seen as important can lead someone to harm the church and resist godly authority.

Why does John say, “follow not that which is evil, but that which is good”?

John has just described the bad behavior of Diotrephes, then he turns to Gaius and calls him “beloved” and tells him not to copy that kind of life. Instead of imitating pride, harsh words, and lack of hospitality, he should chase after what is good, like kindness, truth, and love for other believers. John explains that doing good shows a person is from God and knows Him, while doing evil shows a person has not really seen or understood God. Our actions reveal whose way we are following.

What does this passage teach about doing good and doing evil?

John draws a simple but serious line. The one who does good, from the heart and as a way of life, shows he is “of God,” meaning he belongs to God and has been changed by Him. The one who does evil, who keeps on in wrong ways like pride, slander, and refusing love, has “not seen God.” This does not just mean lacking head knowledge. It means such a person does not truly grasp God’s holy and loving nature. Good works do not earn salvation, but they do show whether someone really knows God.

Who is Demetrius and why is he praised here?

Demetrius is likely a believer involved in ministry, maybe one of the traveling brothers. John says Demetrius has a good report from everyone, and even from “the truth itself,” meaning his life matches the message of the gospel. John and his friends also speak well of him, and he reminds Gaius that he knows their witness is honest. Demetrius is held up as the opposite of Diotrephes: humble, faithful, and kind. He is the sort of person believers should be glad to receive and imitate.

Why does John say Demetrius has a good report “of the truth itself”?

When John says Demetrius has a good report “of the truth itself,” he means Demetrius’ life lines up with the message about Jesus. His actions match what Christians confess. The way he treats others, his honesty, and his service to fellow believers all agree with the truth he believes. So it is not only people who speak well of him, but his character is in harmony with the gospel. This shows that true faith should be visible in how a person lives, not just in what they say.

How should churches today respond to someone like Diotrephes?

This passage shows that when a leader acts with pride, rejects godly counsel, harms others with his words, and blocks kindness to faithful believers, the church cannot ignore it. John plans to “remember his deeds” when he comes, meaning he will openly address the wrong. Today, churches should lovingly but firmly correct such behavior, remembering that no leader is lord over God’s people. The goal is not to crush a person, but to protect the flock, restore what is right, and keep space for humble service and hospitality.

How can I apply the examples of Diotrephes and Demetrius to my life?

These two men give a warning and an example. From Diotrephes, you can check your own heart: do you crave recognition, resist correction, or make it hard for others to serve? From Demetrius, you can aim to live so that both people and the truth of the gospel agree with your life. Welcome faithful believers, support good work, speak kindly, and stay humble. Ask God to help your daily choices show that you belong to Him and that you care more about His honor than your own.

3John.1.9

3 John 1:9

KJV

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

Cross References

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