Diotrephes

(divinely nourished) (3 John 1:9) — a Christian of the apostolic church. Judging by the apostle’s description of him, one may suppose that he held some important position in the church, though he was not its bishop. He is described as one “loving to have the preeminence,” and it is said of him that he did not recognize the authority of the apostle or the obligations of hospitality. The apostle promised, upon his arrival, to call these deeds of Diotrephes to mind personally — that is, probably to expose him before the whole assembly of believers.