DIOTREPHES

KJV Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence

NASB Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them

ESV Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first

RSV Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first

NIV Diotrephes, who loves to be first

ASV Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence

WEYMOUTH Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence

MOFFATT Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead

Paraphrase Diotrephes, who loves to push himself forward

NLT Diotrephes, who loves to be the leader

CEV Diotrephes, likes to be the number one leader

DIOTREPHESCharacter Profile

ARROGANT

SPIRITUAL BULLY

SELFISH

SEEKS LIMELIGHT

CONTROLLING

LOVES SELF

OVERLY AMBITIOUS

DOMINEERING

POSSESSIVE

ABRASIVE

What is a Diotrephes?

(1) Diotrephes is a religious dictator…He wants to rule the church. He cannot take “second fiddle,” as the saying goes…He will have his own way in the smallest and most insignificant issues.

(2) Diotrephes is a spiritual bully...A bully who uses fear and intimidation to get his way.

- 1,2,3 John, Dan King

What is a Diotrephes?

(3) Diotrephes is a selfish person, concerned only with his own interests…Diotrephes was a selfish man…His primary preoccupation is with having his own way. He will have it no matter what the consequences are for the Lord or his church in the community.

- 1,2,3 John, Dan King

What Defeats a Diotrephes?

(1) Christians willing to stand up and speak up. It will not help to be silent in the face of aggression…In the mind of the aggressor, silence provides consent. The most notorious mistake made in a situation where there is a Diotrephes is this one: When he has made his first move toward a power-grab, those with the wisdom and experience to stop him merely remain silent.

- 1,2,3 John, Dan King

What Defeats a Diotrephes?

(2) Christians willing to stand together, united against evil…The church, when it is united as it ought to be in Christ, will be of a single mind…A Diotrephes will steer clear of such a church. He will have a fight on his hands if he deals with them. In the end he will lose the battle if he makes the attempt…

- 1,2,3 John, Dan King

What Defeats a Diotrephes?

… Their unity and love for one another and for God will keep them together in spite of the threats and intimidation of such a will-full man. In the end, he will have to find himself another home.

- 1,2,3 John, Dan King

What Defeats a Diotrephes?

(3) Christians willing to fight for what is right. The strength of a congregation of the Lord’s people is manifested by the determination that is in the hearts of the people to fight for what is right…A man like Diotrephes must be met with courage and resistance…They must not bow to his bullying.

- 1,2,3 John, Dan King

Elders (1 Peter 5:3)

KJV Neither as being lords over God’s heritage

ESV Not domineering over those in your charge

CEV Don’t be bossy

LV Don’t be tyrants