Church leader who opposed John
Diotrephes
Named in 1 verse of 3 John, first in 3 John 1:9.
ΔιοτρεφήςDiotrephes
The name means “nourished by Jupiter.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Diotrephes Written by AI
Diotrephes is mentioned in 3 John 1:9 to 10 as a church leader who opposed the apostle John and his associates. John describes Diotrephes as someone "who loves to be first" among the church members, suggesting that he had a dominant and controlling personality. According to John, Diotrephes refused to welcome him and his companions and even went so far as to speak maliciously against them. Moreover, Diotrephes would not receive other believers who were associated with John and would expel from the church those who did welcome them (3 John 1:10). John's letter to Gaius, in which Diotrephes is mentioned, was written to commend Gaius for his faithfulness and hospitality towards traveling ministers (3 John 1:5 to 8). By contrast, Diotrephes' behavior was a hindrance to the spread of the gospel and the unity of the church. John declared his intention to confront Diotrephes about his actions when he visited the church (3 John 1:10).
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
Jove-nourished, rebuked by John for his pride (3 John 1:9). He was a Judaizer, prating against John and his fellow-labourers “with malicious words” (7).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- 3 John 1:9
I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.