Name Information
Diotrephes is a church figure rebuked by the apostle John for loving to be first, rejecting apostolic authority, refusing hospitality to faithful brothers, and expelling those who welcomed them. He is a warning against prideful leadership that resists truth and love.
Roles
Relationships
Story
Ignored a previous letter from John and opposed apostolic counsel.
Spread unjust accusations against John.
Forbade hospitality to missionaries and expelled hospitable believers from the church.
Spiritual Significance
- 1Rejected John’s authority and slandered him with malicious talk.
- 2Refused to welcome traveling brothers and hindered those who wished to help.
- 3Became an example of pride and authoritarianism within the church.
What We Can Learn
- 1Pride and control can corrupt church leadership.
- 2True authority serves others and submits to apostolic truth.
- 3Hospitality to faithful workers is a non‑negotiable mark of gospel love.
Memory Verses
“Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us.”
Key Passages
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