Diotrephes is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Third Epistle of John. His character and actions provide a cautionary example of misguided ambition within the early Christian church. The Apostle John addresses Diotrephes' behavior in 3 John 1:9-10, highlighting the negative impact of his ambition on the church community.

Scriptural Reference:

In 3 John 1:9-10 , the Apostle John writes: "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction. So if 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 the brothers and stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church."

Analysis:

1. Love of Preeminence:
Diotrephes is characterized by his desire to be first, a trait that reveals his ambition for personal power and authority within the church. This ambition is not aligned with the teachings of Christ, who emphasized humility and servanthood. In Matthew 20:26-27 , Jesus instructs, "Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave."

2. Rejection of Apostolic Authority:
Diotrephes' refusal to accept the Apostle John's instruction indicates a rejection of apostolic authority. This defiance is a significant issue, as the apostles were appointed by Christ to lead and guide the early church. By rejecting John's authority, Diotrephes undermines the unity and doctrinal integrity of the church.

3. Malicious Slander:
The text notes that Diotrephes spreads "malicious nonsense" about the apostles. This behavior reflects a divisive spirit, contrary to the call for unity and love among believers. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen."

4. Exclusion of Fellow Believers:
Diotrephes not only refuses to welcome traveling brothers but also actively prevents others from doing so, even expelling them from the church. This exclusionary behavior contradicts the hospitality and fellowship that are hallmarks of Christian community. Hebrews 13:2 encourages, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Theological Implications:

Diotrephes serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition within the church. His actions demonstrate how personal desires for power and recognition can lead to division, slander, and a breakdown of community. The New Testament consistently calls believers to humility, service, and submission to godly authority, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4 : "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

In summary, Diotrephes' ambition is a cautionary tale that underscores the importance of aligning one's desires with the teachings of Christ and the apostolic foundation of the church. His example serves as a reminder to prioritize humility, unity, and love within the body of Christ.3 John 1:9,10
I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.
Nave's Topical Index

The God of Peace
... The next enemy to peace is ambition. "Diotrephes loveth to have the
pre-eminence," and that fellow has spoiled many a happy church. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the god of peace.htm

Pride and Humility
... to tumble down because it is always looking upward in its ambition, and never ... exalt
thyself above all thy fellow-creatures, and be a very Diotrephes in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... to tumble down, because it is always looking upward in its ambition, and never ... exalt
thyself above all thy fellow-creatures, and be a very Diotrephes in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... John accuses Diotrephes, when he complains that "neither doth he himself receive
the brethren ... such a desire of power as partook at once of ambition and avarice ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

The Catholic Epistles.
... contempt of the poor, defrauding the poor of their wages, ambition to assume ... commended
them to the church where Gaius resided; but that Diotrephes had hindered ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxi the catholic epistles.htm

Who was John the Apostle in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Is it wrong for a Christian to have the goal of being rich and famous? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about humility? | GotQuestions.org

Ambition: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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