Bible Study | 3John - Deotrephes and Demetrius.

Preachings from Deliverance Church Umoja Lanet.
The Third Epistle of John is a short, personal letter that plunges us directly into the real-world drama of the early church. Unlike theological treatises, it’s a snapshot of a pastoral crisis, a church conflict where leadership, character, and authority are being tested. At the heart of this conflict are two men who represent two very different spirits vying for influence in the Christian community: Diotrephes and Demetrius.

The core theme of this study is "Know Your Men." In a world of competing voices and leadership styles, how do we discern whom to trust, support, and follow? The Apostle John, the "elder" and a pillar of the apostolic church, does not leave us in the dark. He provides a clear, Spirit-inspired assessment of each man's character, actions, and ultimate source of authority.

The Dangerous Diotrephes: The Selfish Usurper
Diotrephes is a warning to every church and every leader. He is a picture of fleshly ambition masquerading as spiritual authority.

Whom does the Apostle John say he is?

A Man Dominated by Self-Interest: John gets straight to the point: "Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them" (v. 9). The Greek phrasing implies he loves to have the preeminence. His driving motivation is not service, but status; not the flock's welfare, but his own power.

A Man Who Rejects Apostolic Authority: He "does not acknowledge our authority" (v. 9). By rejecting the counsel of John—an apostle who walked with Jesus—Diotrephes sets himself up as a higher authority, creating a schism between the local church and the broader, apostolic foundation of the faith.

A Slanderer and a Bully: John says he is "talking wicked nonsense against us" (v. 10). Diotrephes uses his words not to build up but to tear down, spreading malicious gossip to undermine the apostles and consolidate his own influence.

An Exclusionary Leader: His actions are tyrannical. He refuses to welcome traveling missionaries (the "brothers"), and worse, he "stops those who want to welcome them and puts them out of the church" (v. 10). He creates a culture of fear and control, excommunicating those who show the simple, biblical hospitality that he denies.

In essence, John identifies Diotrephes as a dangerous, self-appointed leader whose character is marked by pride, rebellion, slander, and tyranny. He is a negative example of everything Christian leadership should not be.

The Diligent Demetrius: The Trustworthy Example
In stark contrast to the shadow of Diotrephes, Demetrius stands as a beacon of integrity and faithful service.

Whom does the Apostle John say he is?

A Man with a Good Testimony from All: John states simply, "Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone" (v. 12). His character is not self-proclaimed but is validated by the consensus of the believing community. He is known for his consistency and integrity.

A Man Validated by the Truth Itself: Even more importantly, he has a good testimony "from the truth itself." This means his life and teachings are in alignment with the gospel message. He is a living example of the truth he professes. His life matches his doctrine.

A Man Commended by the Apostles: Finally, John and his colleagues add their own apostolic endorsement: "We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true." Demetrius is trustworthy because he is in submission to the true, apostolic teaching that Diotrephes rejects.

John identifies Demetrius as a model of proven character, doctrinal soundness, and humble reliability. He is the kind of man we are called to imitate and support.

The Central Question for Us
This letter forces a personal application: In your own spiritual life, which model are you following? Are you drawn to the charismatic, controlling power of a Diotrephes, or the humble, faithful diligence of a Demetrius? And more importantly, which model are you becoming?

This study of 3 John is not just ancient history; it is a urgent call to spiritual discernment. It teaches us to look past titles and rhetoric and to evaluate leaders and ourselves by the timeless metrics of character, submission to God's word, and a love that expresses itself in joyful hospitality and service.