CHARACTER STUDY ~ DIOTREPHES

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Diotrephes means "nourished by Jupiter". He was only mentioned in the third epistle of John. He was a leader in the church. His actions led to the third epistle of John to caution Gaius not to imitate him. 


Some Characteristics of Diotrephes:
√ Diotrephes loves to have the preeminence. His desire to be acknowledged first among the believers made him lose the mark of a servant of God. We must desist from the obsession with preeminence in our family, community, church, workplace, or nation. 

√ Diotrephes refused to welcome the apostles into the church. The church is the Lord's and not anyone's property. Therefore, we must be circumspective about how we hinder others from freely using their God-given talent while we serve leadership positions in the church. This also applies to our homes, families, communities, and the nation. 

√ Diotrephes maliciously spreads gossip about men of God. His desire for preeminence has eluded him from speaking the truth. All he desires is to bad-mouth others so he can project himself better. If you possess this kind of attitude, repent. 

√ Diotrephes withholds hospitality from other believers. Although capable of being charitable, he fails to do so. Dear beloved in the Lord, if you have the means to support others to excel but fail to do so, then you possess the spirit of Diotrephes. This spirit is constantly on the lookout to destroy people's reputations and manipulate systems so that others fail in the good work they intend to do. 

√ Diotrephes influenced others to follow his poor example as a leader. Because he was in leadership he was corrupting his followers with his bad example. Dear beloved in the Lord, model people with good moral lifestyles rather than those with questioning lifestyles. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

√ Diotrephes excommunicated anyone who crossed him. An autocratic leader never gives room for challengers and it's the spirit of Diotrephes. This spirit lays off anyone who tries to voice the truth with the intent to deter others from trying to boldly step forward to speak their minds. 

√ There's no record of the death of Diotrephes in the Bible although other literatures might have them. 


Supporting Scripture: 3 John 1:9-12

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