Gaius and Diotrephes
Third John is a short letter written by the apostle John to a Christian named Gaius. It is a personal and heartfelt letter containing praise for Gaius’ faith along with a serious condemnation of another man—Diotrephes—who was causing problems in the church.
Gaius (3 John 1-8). We are not sure who Gaius was. There are a few people by that name in the New Testament: in Ephesus (Acts 19:29), in Derbe (Acts 20:4), and in Corinth[1] (Rom. 16:23). But, Gaius was such a common name in the Roman Empire at that time that it is impossible to prove or disprove that that this Gaius is one of those others mentioned. Probably it is someone else entirely. Though we can’t identify him personally, the way John talks about him reveals much about his character.
We can empathize with John’s affection for Gaius and relief at hearing that Gaius was walking in truth (3 John 2-4). We all have brothers and sisters in Christ who live in far away places and at times we wonder how they are doing and if they are remaining firm in their faith and service. A good report or visit in person is encouraging and brings us “no greater joy” as it did John.
Gaius’ walk in truth was seen in how he faithfully served brethren and strangers (3 John 5-8). Traveling brethren were in Gaius’ town. These were people he did not know and were not associated with him in any way other than being fellow Christians. Despite this, he showed them hospitality and sent them on their way refreshed and encouraged. Gaius did not demand to be treated with deference; we actually see no indication that he cared about his image and status in any self-centered way. As soon as the opportunity presented itself, he received them as brethren and served them faithfully.
Diotrephes (3 John 9-11). Diotrephes is another member of the local church with Gaius. It is unclear whether he was an elder or leader of the church or merely had aspirations of leadership. He is the opposite of Gaius in spirit and actions, and John needs to address his evil in this letter.
In contrast with Gaius, Diotrephes “loved to have the preeminence” (3 John 9, NKJV). He was obsessed with power and needed to be in control of the church. If he was an elder, he was a grossly unfit one who was “domineering over those in [his] charge” (1 Pet. 5:3). If not, he still was trying to assert himself in a selfish manner and was not properly submitting to his brethren.
One way that Diotrephes sought preeminence was that he rejected the authority of John, who was an inspired apostle of Jesus. Here we get a better picture of who the traveling Christians were from earlier in the letter that Gaius received and served—they had come from John bearing instructions for this church. This seems to be similar to what Paul did when he wrote to various churches he was connected with to give inspired instructions to them addressing whatever problems they had. John and Paul were apostles, so they had the authority to do this, but Diotrephes views the emissaries of John as a threat to his power in the church.
Diotrephes’ solution was to speak “wicked nonsense” (3 John 10) against them. His words were designed to make others in the church ignore the message from John and even to reject their fellow Christians. Can you imagine telling your brethren that they should not show hospitality and kindness toward their fellow brethren? Diotrephes was so ironfisted that he kicked people out of the church who didn’t listen to him. Whether he was an elder or not, he had no right to such a thing when the only offense was faithful service. How shameful for a disciple to be acting more like a persecutor. If John comes in person, he will deal with Diotrephes harshly, but really it is the obligation of the rest of the brethren to restrain Diotrephes’ evil behavior or to mark him as a divisive influence if he will not repent.
Conclusion. The church needs many disciples like Gaius who are faithful, humble, and look for opportunities to receive and serve brethren. If there are any like Diotrephes, they must be rebuked. There is no place in the church for people who seek their own benefit and want to control others. As John said, “Do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).
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