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“Some Thoughts About Diotrephes”
Categories: Daily Living, Expository Study, SinSome Thoughts About Diotrephes
Jarrod Jacobs
Diotrephes is mentioned in only two verses in the entire Bible. Yet, what is said about him echoes to this present day. His life and actions stand as a warning to us in the 21st century. The apostle John said, “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church” (III Jn. 9-10).
After reading about Diotrephes and his actions, let us consider his life and make some applications to ourselves. 1) Diotrephes loved to have “preeminence” among folks. Yet, did we notice that there are only two verses in the entire Bible that even mention him? 2) In those two verses that mention him, he is referred to as a very wicked man. Think about it! 3) Jesus told His followers (and us today), “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:12). We are warned about the dangers of pride in passages such as Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6, and many others. Let us examine our lives and see if pride is keeping us from doing what is right. Friend, is pride ruining you, or are you too proud to admit it?
