3 John ¹⁰So if I come, I will call attention to the works that he was doing, maliciously talking wicked words about us, and not being content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.

This verse reveals that Diotrephes’ refusal to accept John and those who speak the truth was not just passive ignorance but downright verbal rejection. The first part of the verse indicates the possibility that John might visit Gaius. The construction using the subjunctive mood implies more of a probability that John would make the visit. When he got there, he would discuss four problems in more detail regarding what Diotrephes was doing.

First, he was speaking badly about John and others. The verb maliciously talking occurs only here in the New Testament and has the sense of empty, false, or disparaging talk. What Diotrephes was saying lacked any support and only showed the evil in his heart. Second, he did not show hospitality to the brothers. Who these brothers were is unknown but could refer to those mentioned in verse 5 who had traveled to visit Gaius and the church associated with him. He had rejected the trust testimony they brought by refusing to host and support their ministry. Third, he stopped others from showing hospitality, which put them in a difficult spot. They knew what they should have done to help the travelers, but Diotrephes stood in the way. Fourth, he went as far as to kick such helpful and loving people out of the church. He assumed the position of judge and jury, believing he had the right interpretation.

These actions proved how Diotrephes wanted to be the leader and pushed his own agenda. His arrogance and pride led to accusing John of bad things and becoming an evil influence in the church. The comparison between Gaius and Diotrephes is obvious. Gaius was loving and accepted the truth of the gospel, which showed up in his self-giving actions. Diotrephes was the opposite because of his selfishness, which showed his rejection of the truth. When a church has a leader like this, its testimony to the world will keep people away, and it will not last long because it will self-destruct. Diotrephes showed qualities of a dictator. Dictators do not make good church leaders, either as pastors or lay people.