9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 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. 11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. 12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. (3 John 1:9-12 KJV)
Diotrephes and Demetrius
First, we have here a character—an officer, a minister in the church—less generous, open, and supportive than private Christians. Ministers may sometimes be outshone and outdone. In reference to this minister, we see:
1. He has a Gentile name, Diotrephes, paired with an unchristian spirit.
2. His attitude and spirit—full of pride and ambition: he loves to have the preeminence. This desire arose early. It is an improper and harmful trait for Christ’s ministers to seek prominence or to crave leadership and superiority in the church of God.
3. His contempt for the apostle’s authority, letter, and companions.
This is how he shows contempt for Apostle John’s authority: “The deeds he does contrary to our instruction, prating against us with malicious words.” Ambition often breeds malice against those who stand in its way. Malice and ill will in the heart tend to come out through the lips. The heart and mouth must both be guarded.
This is how he shows contempt for Apostle John’s letter: “I wrote to the church” (3 John 1:9), likely in recommendation of certain brethren. “But Diotrephes does not acknowledge us”—he disregards both the letter and the testimony it carried. This likely refers to the church Gaius belonged to. A gospel church is such a body to which a letter may be addressed and shared. Churches should expect and accept letters of introduction for visiting believers. The apostle seems to write with and on behalf of these brethren. To an ambitious and self-seeking person, apostolic authority or letters carry little weight.
This is how he shows contempt for the Apostle John’s friends—the brethren he recommended: “He does not receive the brethren himself, and forbids those who would, and casts them out of the church” (3 John 1:10). There may have been some differences or customs between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Pastors should consider seriously what differences are tolerable. A pastor is not at absolute liberty, nor is he lord over God’s people. It’s bad not to do good ourselves, but worse to prevent those who would. Church authority and discipline are often misused. Many are cast out of the church who should be received gladly. Woe to those who expel the brethren Christ will accept into his kingdom!
4. The apostle’s warning to this proud leader: “If I come, I will remember the deeds he does” (3 John 1:10). This implies apostolic authority. But the apostle does not appear to be convening an official court to which Diotrephes must be summoned; instead, he plans to address the matter directly within the church where it occurred. Acts of church domination and tyranny must be addressed.
Here is an advice and a warning not to follow Diotrephes’ poor example or any evil: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good” (3 John 1:11). Do not follow such unchristian and destructive evil; instead, pursue the opposite—goodness in wisdom, purity, peace, and love. Even good people still need warnings and counsel. The advice is more likely to be accepted when given in love. “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil.”
The reason why Apostle John counsels Christians to follow what is good is this: “Follow what is good, for the one who does good is from God”—that is, the one who naturally and sincerely delights in doing good is born of God. Doing good proves our relationship with God. And the reason why he warns us not to imitate evil habits is this: “Do not imitate what is evil, for the one who does evil has not seen God”—he does not truly know or understand God’s holy nature and will. Evil workers falsely claim to know God.
Second, we have here a very different example and another character, Demetrius, not much known otherwise, but here his name will live. A name in the gospel and a reputation in the churches are better than that of sons and daughters. His character was his commendation. Demetrius has a good report from everyone (3 John 1:12). Few are well spoken of by all, and sometimes it’s not good to be so. But consistent integrity and goodness often lead to universal approval.
He also has a good testimony from the truth itself (3 John 1:12). Some are well spoken of, but not according to the truth. Happy are those whose spirit and conduct commend them before God and people.
The apostle and his companions confirm this: “We also bear witness—and you know that our testimony is true” (3 John 1:12). Probably, this Demetrius was known to both the church where the apostle resided and to the one where Gaius was. It is good to be known for doing good. We should be ready to affirm the reputation of those who are truly good—it is a debt we owe to virtue. It is even better when those giving the commendation can appeal to the conscience of those who know the person best.