Was Diotrophes a pastor (3 John 1:9)
3 John 1:9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.
3 John 1:1 - 15
ESV - 1 The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. 2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
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Donna Williams
Supporter
Dear Anonymous, it's possible that Diotrephes was a servant leader; however, his behavior was definitely not displaying the love of God and the humility of Jesus Christ, as we see in Philippians chapter 2. Diotrephes is described as a man who was proud and arrogant, who refused to submit himself to the authority of the apostles, and exalted himself above others.
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
Was Diotrophes a pastor (3 John 1:9) In short, the answer is NO. This is what John wrote to the congregation about him: "I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not." John's reason for writing to Gaius was not just to thank him. John also wanted to help him deal with a serious problem. For some reason, a member of the Christian congregation named Diotrephes refused to show hospitality to traveling Christians. He even tried to hinder others from showing hospitality.—3 John 9, 10. Faithful Christians would not have wanted to stay with Diotrephes even if that were possible. He liked to have the first place in the congregation; he received nothing from John with respect, and he was spreading malicious talk about the apostle and others. Although John never called him a false teacher, Diotrephes was resisting the apostle's authority. Diotrephes' desire for prominence and his unchristian attitude called his loyalty into question. John said, "That is why, if I come, I will call to remembrance his works which he goes on doing, chattering about us with wicked words." (3 John 9, 10) Such chattering was a very serious matter, and if we are listening to or spreading similar talk today, we should stop doing so immediately. The sincere Christians who were in the same congregation as Diotrephes allowed them to show that they were not 'imitators of what is bad' and thus to receive advanced training in loyalty to Jehovah and to apostolic authority.—3 John 9-12.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Based on the Bible (3 John 9), Diotrephes loved to have the “pre-eminence” and rejected John’s authority, but he is not explicitly called a pastor. He acted like a self-important leader, but the passage emphasizes his pride, not a legitimate church office. Gaius was commended for his HOSPITALITY (3 Jn 1:5). Support missionaries with money (3 John 1:6). Why? Because they are not accepting money from unbelievers (3 John 7). We become coworkers with them (“with the truth”) by doing this. (3 Jn 1:8). Some people like Diotrophes refuse hospitality, & inhospitable Diotrophes hinders hospitality in himself and also others’ hospitality (3 Jn 1:10). The readers of 3 John are cautioned against imitating his inhospitality (3 John 11). “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”
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