Diotrephes
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Diotrephes was a man mentioned by John the Apostle in his letter to Gaius (3 John, verses 9–11).
In addition to being ambitious, proud, disrespectful of apostolic authority, rebellious, and inhospitable, the author of the letter says that Diotrephes tried to hinder those desiring to show hospitality to the brothers and to expel these from the congregation. Not even the location of Diotrephes' church can be determined from the letter. It is debatable whether the antipathy expressed in 3 John is based on "a theological dispute, a clash of competing eccesiastical authorities,a disagreement about financial responsibilities for the mission, or personal dislike".[1]
Adolf von Harnack was of the view that Diotrephes was the first monarchical bishop of whom we have the name.[2]
His name means "fed by God".
[edit] Notes
- ^ Margaret M. Mitchell, "'Diotrephes Does Not Receive Us;: The Lexicographical and Social Context of 3 John 9-10," Journal of Biblical Literature 117.2 (1998:299-320), with bibliography of the conflict on each possible arena of the conflict
- ^ Harnack, "Über den dritten Johannesbrief" (series Texte und Untersuchungen zur Geschichte der altchristlichen Literatur) 15.3 (Leipzig 1897:3-27).
