Learn more about Diotrephes

Introduction to Diotrephes

Diotrephes is a relatively obscure yet significant figure mentioned in the New Testament. His name appears only once in the Bible, in the Third Epistle of John (3 John 9–10). Despite the brevity of his mention, Diotrephes serves as a potent symbol of pride, authoritarianism, and opposition to apostolic authority within the early Christian church. His actions stand in contrast to the virtues of hospitality, humility, and faithfulness commended elsewhere in the New Testament.

Diotrephes Pronunciation

“Diotrephes” is pronounced as die-OT-ruh-feez, with emphasis on the second syllable.

Diotrephes in the New Testament

Diotrephes is mentioned in the brief yet powerful epistle of 3 John. He is depicted negatively and serves as an example of what not to be within the Christian community. The relevant passage is:

• 3 John 9–10: “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. So when 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 other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.”

From this, several important characteristics and actions of Diotrephes emerge:

• Ambition for Preeminence: Diotrephes is described as someone who "loves to be first." The Greek term used here (philoprōteuōn) conveys a selfish desire for power and recognition.
• Rejection of Apostolic Authority: He refused to welcome the apostle John’s letter and delegation, directly challenging apostolic oversight.
• Malicious Speech: He spread slanderous and false accusations about the apostles.
• Inhospitality and Intolerance: Diotrephes denied hospitality to fellow believers and disciplined those who sought to extend such hospitality.

Related Themes and Meanings to Diotrephes

Diotrephes embodies several recurring issues addressed in the New Testament:

• Pride and Self-Exaltation: In contrast to Christ’s teachings on servanthood, Diotrephes sought authority and dominance (see Matthew 23:11–12).
• Church Discipline and Authority: His case raises questions about how local church authority interacts with broader apostolic leadership.
• Hospitality: The early Christian community valued hospitality as a hallmark of genuine faith (see Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2), which Diotrephes flagrantly rejected.
• Unity vs. Division: His actions contributed to discord, a danger frequently warned against in Pauline and Johannine writings (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:10; Titus 3:10).

Diotrephes in Biblical Context

Diotrephes appears in a pastoral setting likely in Asia Minor, where the Apostle John is addressing local church issues. His behavior contrasts sharply with that of Demetrius, a man commended in the same epistle (3 John 12), and Gaius, the letter’s recipient, who is praised for his love and hospitality.

The character of Diotrephes offers insight into early church challenges, including the struggle between centralized apostolic leadership and emerging local authorities. His attitude reflects an early form of ecclesiastical authoritarianism that threatened the unity and mission of the church.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Diotrephes

• The name “Diotrephes” is Greek and means “nurtured by Zeus” or “Zeus-reared,” suggesting he may have been of Hellenistic background or upbringing, possibly a Gentile convert.
• His is one of the earliest known examples in Christian literature of a church leader who usurps authority and disrupts fellowship.
• 3 John is the shortest book in the Bible by word count, yet within its brief lines, Diotrephes is immortalized as a cautionary tale for Christian leadership.
• His refusal to show hospitality contrasts with the strong early Christian tradition of welcoming itinerant teachers and missionaries, indicating an early struggle over doctrinal control and ecclesiastical boundaries.

Conclusion

Though only briefly mentioned, Diotrephes remains a significant figure in the New Testament as an example of problematic leadership in the early church. His story is a warning against pride, isolationism, and the abuse of authority. In contrast to figures like Gaius and Demetrius, Diotrephes' behavior underscores the importance of humility, unity, and love within the Christian community. His name is a reminder of how even a single individual's ambition can challenge the health and mission of the church.