1. III. Deceitful Men are Recognized by Deceitful Acts (9-10)
Thematic Relation: Those who oppose God's co-workers are also known for their works, and will not be hid by the silence they attempt to impose upon the truth. Realizing that either way, our acts will be made known should encourage us to persevere in well-doing.

Some Key Words

Diotrephes (Diotrephes [1361]):
"nourished by Jove"; an opponent of Christianity.
Loves to be first (philoproteuo [5383]):
to aspire to preeminence; ambitious of distinction, fond of being first.
Unjustly accusing (phluareo [5396]):
to utter nonsense, talk idly, make empty charges, badmouth, accuse falsely; to be a babbler or trifler, to berate mischievously
Receive (epidchomai [1926]):
to receive hospitality, to admit and not reject; to admit as a guest or teacher
Puts out (ekballo [1544]):
to cast out or drive out, to be deprived of power and influence, to expel from society, banish, compel to depart in stern manner, to tear out, reject with contempt, extract, bring forth, leave out (not receive), lead one away irresistibly; to eject
 
 

Paraphrase

9 Diotrephes doesn't accept John's teaching, being deceived by his pride. 10 It needs to be known that he is spreading lies about John, denying true teachers access to the church, and throwing those who hold to the truth out of the church.

Key Verse

10 - It shows the growth of sin. It starts as simple pride, and an exaggerated desire to excel, but it leads to direct opposition to God's work, and the attempted corruption of His people.

Thematic Relevance:

 This points out that whether our deeds be for good or for ill, the nature of those deed will become known, not to God only, but also to man. This ought to encourage us to act according to our love for truth.

Doctrinal Relevance:

 Pride is a powerful deceiver of self. Deception must be exposed.

Moral Relevance:

 Since few, if any, know our motivations, we become known by our actions. These are the things that will define us to those who become acquainted with us. If these actions be prideful and foolish, we will be known to oppose God's work. If they be humble, truthful, and wise, we will be known to be with God.

People Mentioned:

Diotrephes - No other mention is made of this man, or any other by that name. All that can be known of him is what is said in these two verses: He was prideful and arrogant, and allowed his ego to cloud his judgement.

Questions Raised:

 How was Diotrephes able to wield such power in the presence of true believers?

Some Parallel Verses

9
2Jn 9 - Those who desire to be first tend to get out ahead of the truth.
10
2Jn 12 - John plans to come to the church. 2Jn 10 - We are not to receive or greet those who teach something other than true doctrine. Ac 1:15 - Peter stood amidst the brethren. Gal 6:10 - to whom, especially, we are to do good. Jn 9:34 - The Pharisees drive the ex blind man from the temple for confessing Jesus.
 
 

New Thoughts

Lord, I look at Diotrephes and I see my own sin exposed as scarlet. Too often I can be found hungering after preeminence. To often my tongue is quick to badmouth another to enhance my position. Too often my acts are those of pride and foolishness. Forgive me, oh God. Change this foolish man, Lord. Teach me to be truly humble. Correct my foolish ways, God. What a miserable example I've made for those around me! How can I even lay claim to Your name? By grace alone! Thank You, Lord, that You have made a way for me to be cleansed. Make me whiter than snow, oh God. Help me to repent of my wickedness. It's a fearful thing to realize how similar one is to the bad examples. It's a wonderful thing to realize that You love me anyway, and that You will gladly answer my prayer for change. Help me to gladly accept what must be done to effect that change.