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Diotrephes

Diotrephes The One Who Loved to Be First

New Testamentc. AD 90 View journey on map

About Diotrephes

Diotrephes is mentioned only in 3 John as a negative example of church leadership. He loved to have the preeminence, rejected the apostle John's authority, spread malicious gossip about John and other leaders, refused to welcome traveling missionaries, and even expelled from the church those who did welcome them. His behavior illustrates the dangers of pride, love of power, and self-promotion in church leadership.

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Diotrephes's Character Traits

Power-hungrySlanderousDivisiveInhospitable

Diotrephes's Life Timeline

View journey on map
  1. Oppositionc. AD 90

    Diotrephes refuses to acknowledge John's authority.

    3JN 1:9
  2. Slanderc. AD 90

    Diotrephes spreads malicious gossip against John and the apostles.

    3JN 1:10
  3. Exclusionc. AD 90

    Diotrephes refuses to welcome traveling missionaries and expels those who do.

    3JN 1:10

Diotrephes's Key Relationships

Spiritual Lessons from Diotrephes

Love for Preeminence

Diotrephes 'loved to have the preeminence.' His desire to be first led him to reject apostolic authority, slander leaders, and excommunicate godly people. Love of position corrupts ministry and harms the church.

Key Verses about Diotrephes

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