In the short but powerful letter of 3 John, the Apostle John mentions a man by name—Diotrephes. Unlike many biblical characters who are remembered for their faithfulness, generosity, or repentance, Diotrephes is remembered for something else: his destructive spirit.
John doesn’t mince words. He calls him out clearly and publicly:
“I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.” (3 John 9)
In that single verse, we meet a type of person who still exists in churches today—a man who destroys what Christ died to build. Here’s a deeper look at the characteristics of Diotrephes and the warning he presents to every congregation.
1. Pride: “He loves to be first”
At the heart of Diotrephes’ behavior is a love of preeminence—a desire to be the most important voice in the room. He didn’t just want influence; he wanted dominance. This kind of pride is deadly in the church because it always elevates self over Christ and self over others.
This person doesn’t serve for the good of the body or the glory of God. He serves so he can be seen, praised, and obeyed.
2. Rejection of Apostolic Authority: “He does not accept what we say”
Diotrephes didn’t just disagree with John’s leadership—he rejected it outright. This wasn’t some secondary issue; John was an eyewitness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. To reject John was to reject the apostolic teaching—the very foundation of the early church.
Likewise today, those who oppose biblical authority—whether through denying the Word or undermining faithful shepherds—are not reformers, but rebels. A church cannot thrive when those in leadership ignore or twist Scripture to suit their egos.
3. Slander: “He unjustly accuses us with wicked words”
Diotrephes didn’t just resist—he attacked. He maligned the character of godly men with “wicked words.” When someone seeks control in a church, they often resort to slander and gossip to tear down anyone who stands in their way.
This is a weaponized tongue, and James warns about it: “The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness… it is set on fire by hell” (James 3:6).
4. Hostility Toward God’s People: “He refuses to welcome the brothers and stops those who want to”
Diotrephes also shut the door to faithful missionaries and teachers. He actively opposed hospitality and cooperation in gospel work, and he even threatened others who wanted to help them.
This is the behavior of a gatekeeper, not a shepherd. He turns the church inward, dividing and isolating it from the broader body of Christ.
5. Abuse of Power: “He puts them out of the church”
Worst of all, Diotrephes used his power to excommunicate faithful believers—not for heresy or immorality, but for disagreeing with him. This kind of spiritual abuse still happens in churches today, where toxic leaders remove those who challenge their authority.
This is not shepherding—it’s tyranny.
A Final Word: Don’t Be a Diotrephes
The church is Christ’s body, not ours to control. If you see these traits—pride, rejection of authority, slander, hostility, abuse of power—in a leader, or even in yourself, take John’s warning seriously.
John wrote this short letter not just to expose a man, but to protect the church. Let us do the same. Call out sin, defend the truth, and remember John’s command:
“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.” (3 John 11)
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