How should church leaders respond to those who reject apostolic authority today? Understanding 3 John 1:9 “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept us.” Key facts in the verse - John had already provided written guidance to the congregation. - Diotrephes dismissed the apostolic instruction and refused fellowship with John’s team. - The issue was not mere personality conflict; it was rejection of divinely commissioned authority. Recognizing the Pattern of Rejection - Such resistance echoes throughout Scripture - Acts 13:45 – jealousy drove some to contradict Paul’s words. - 2 Timothy 4:3–4 – people accumulate teachers to suit their own desires. - 1 John 4:6 – “Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us.” - The root is pride and self-exaltation, just as Diotrephes “loves to be first.” Immediate Responses Called For - Confront with clarity and courage - Titus 1:13 – “rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.” - Matthew 18:15–17 – private correction, then witnesses, then the church. - Refuse to enable the rebellion - 2 John 1:10 – do not give a platform to those who do not bring apostolic teaching. - Protect the flock from contagion - Acts 20:28–31 – shepherds guard against wolves, even from within. Ongoing Posture of Leadership - Stand on the written Word as final authority - 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture equips for every good work. - Maintain humility while exercising firm oversight - 1 Peter 5:2–3 – shepherd willingly, not lording it over those entrusted. - Cultivate accountability structures - Hebrews 13:17 – leaders watch over souls and will give an account. Practical Steps to Protect the Flock - Teach the congregation why apostolic doctrine matters; unfold texts like Ephesians 2:20 and Acts 2:42. - Keep communication transparent—read John’s letters aloud so everyone hears the original guidance. - Remove unrepentant agitators after patient warning (Titus 3:10–11). - Affirm and honor those who remain faithful, following the model of Gaius and Demetrius in 3 John. Why Apostolic Authority Still Matters - The apostles bear eyewitness testimony to the risen Christ (Acts 1:21–22). - Their teaching forms the foundation laid once for all (Jude 1:3). - Rejecting that foundation erodes unity, truth, and the witness of the church (Philippians 1:27). Encouragement for Faithful Leaders - God sees quiet perseverance—“Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). - The church’s Builder is Christ Himself; faithful leaders simply cooperate with His unfailing plan (Matthew 16:18). - Hold to the apostolic word, guard the flock, and trust the Chief Shepherd to vindicate truth at His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). |
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