9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Gaius, whom John is writing to is a member of a church that is led by Diotrephes. Gaius has been praised for walking in the truth. Diotrephes, the leader of the church, on the other hand is now criticised because he has been ignoring apostolic authority. John is not writing to speak behind Diotrephes’ back. John wrote to the church and it appears that Diotrephes has supressed the letter so that Gaius may not even be aware that it was sent. John finds himself having to bypass the church because of a wayward and self exalting leader. John needs to explain why he is bypassing the normal communication channels but assures Gaius that he will deal with Diotrephes face to face when he gets there. Before that time he is writing to Gaius because he is sending Demetrius who needs the kind of hospitality Gaius is known for. John assures him that Demetrius comes with a good testimony from many, including the apostles. Gaius is being called on to offer Christian hospitality and brotherly love under a leader who refuses to offer hospitality as he should and threatens those who do with being put out of the church. Instead of following the example of his wayward leader, Gaius is encouraged to do what is good because that is from God.
It is sad when someone uses their role in the church for self gratification and personal ambition at the expense of Christian love. When that happens the church is no longer able to function as a body. Even if we have the misfortune of finding ourselves in a similar situation we can still do what is good because that is from God (remember our new nature from God is inherently sinless, 1 John 3:6) rather than imitating the evil of those who are not in fellowship with God (and yes, sadly that can include some leaders in the church). Will you be a Diotrephes who puts himself first, or will you be a Gaius who walks in the truth?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
The Plagues Part Two: Exodus 9-10