View the current lesson for bible study below! Click Here for the Online Bible.
DIOTREPHES – WEEK 2
From One Troubled Leader to the Seven Churches of Asia Minor
STUDENT HANDOUT | 3 John 9-12 and Revelation 1-3
Purpose
Build on Week 1 by comparing the traits seen in Diotrephes with Christ’s evaluation of the seven churches. The goal is not to claim Diotrephes belonged to one of these churches, but to use biblical comparison to examine pride, love, faithfulness, correction, tolerance, reputation, and humility.
Week 1 Review
- Diotrephes loved to have the preeminence – he wanted to be first.
- He would not receive John and resisted correction or apostolic influence.
- He used malicious words.
- He refused to welcome faithful brethren.
- He tried to prevent others from welcoming them and put people out of the church.
- Week 1 emphasized Christian conduct: verify concerns, avoid rumor/gossip, address serious matters appropriately, and imitate what is good (3 John 11).
Week 2 Big Idea
Christ evaluates both individuals and churches. Diotrephes shows what destructive self-importance can do through one influential person; Revelation 2-3 shows how Christ evaluates entire congregations.
The Seven Churches: Compare and Contrast
| Church | Christ’s Evaluation | Connection/Contrast | Lesson |
| Ephesus Rev. 2:1-7 | Strong doctrine and endurance, but left first love. | Diotrephes also shows how outward church activity can exist while love toward people is damaged. | Return to love while maintaining truth. |
| Smyrna Rev. 2:8-11 | Faithful under suffering; receives no rebuke. | A contrast: Diotrephes protected position; Smyrna accepted costly faithfulness. | Faithfulness matters more than prominence. |
| Pergamum Rev. 2:12-17 | Held Christ’s name but tolerated corrupt teaching. | Like the Diotrephes situation, tolerated wrong can affect the whole fellowship. | Truth requires loving accountability. |
| Thyatira Rev. 2:18-29 | Love and service were present, but serious wrongdoing was tolerated. | Diotrephes shows the opposite error: harsh control. Thyatira shows permissive tolerance. Both miss Christlike leadership. | Neither control nor careless tolerance is healthy. |
| Sardis Rev. 3:1-6 | Had a reputation for life but was spiritually weak/dead. | Diotrephes may have had influence, but influence is not proof of spiritual maturity. | Christ sees reality beneath reputation. |
| Philadelphia Rev. 3:7-13 | Little strength, yet faithful and obedient; receives no rebuke. | A strong contrast to Diotrephes: little power can accompany great faithfulness. | Use whatever influence you have faithfully. |
| Laodicea Rev. 3:14-22 | Self-satisfied and blind to its true condition. | Closest thematic parallel to Diotrephes’ pride: self-importance can make correction difficult to receive. | Humility welcomes Christ’s correction. |
Key Distinctions
Correction vs. Control: Correction seeks restoration under Christ; control seeks personal dominance.
Accountability vs. Gossip: Accountability goes to someone who can help resolve a matter; gossip spreads it without a constructive role.
Position vs. Faithfulness: A title or influence does not prove maturity. Smyrna and Philadelphia show the value of faithfulness.
Reputation vs. Reality: Sardis reminds us that Christ sees the true condition beneath appearances.
Truth vs. Love: Ephesus reminds us that truth without love is incomplete; biblical maturity holds both together.
Student Discussion Questions
1. What was the central character problem John identified in Diotrephes?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
2. Which churches provide the clearest contrast to Diotrephes?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
3. Which church most strongly connects with the danger of Diotrephes’ pride?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
4. How does Ephesus help us evaluate Diotrephes?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
5. What opposite leadership errors can we see in Diotrephes and Thyatira?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
6. What is the difference between correction and control?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
7. What is the difference between accountability and gossip?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
8. Why is Revelation 1 important before studying the seven churches?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
9. Can a church have a good reputation and still need correction?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
10. What should a church do when it discovers a Diotrephes-like trait in its culture?
Notes: ______________________________________________________________
Personal Reflection
Which warning or encouragement from these churches most challenges me, and why?
________________________________________________________________________
What can I do this week to make sure Christ – not pride, position, reputation, or control – has first place?
________________________________________________________________________
Main Lessons from 3 John 9–12 — Diotrephes
- Pride and the desire for prominence
- 1. Read 3 John (our focus is on (-12)
- Diotrephes “loved to have the preeminence.”
- The problem was not leadership itself, but a desire for status, control, and recognition.
- Christian leadership should be motivated by service and humility, not personal importance.
- Self-check: Am I trying to serve others, or do I need to be recognized and in control?
- Harmful speech
- John condemns Diotrephes for speaking maliciously against others.
- Words can damage reputations, relationships, trust, and church unity.
- Christians should avoid exaggeration, character attacks, and words intended to embarrass or discredit others.
- Key principle: Before speaking negatively about someone, consider whether what you are saying is true, necessary, helpful, and appropriate.
- Verified concerns vs. rumors
- A serious concern should not automatically be treated as established fact.
- Hearing something from someone else does not make it true.
- Before repeating a negative report, ask:
- Is it true?
- Do I have reliable knowledge of it?
- Is it necessary to share?
- Will sharing it help resolve the problem?
- Key principle: Verification should come before repetition.
- Direct and appropriate conversations
- When a legitimate problem exists, it is generally healthier to address it with the appropriate person rather than repeatedly discussing that person with others.
- Direct conversation should be truthful, respectful, and restorative, not hostile or humiliating.
- The goal should be to solve the problem and restore relationships, not to gather supporters.
- Gossip and repeated stories
- Repeating an unverified negative story can turn a concern into gossip.
- Repetition does not make a story true.
- Gossip can cause people to take sides, create suspicion, damage someone’s reputation, and divide a Christian community.
- A useful question is: “Am I helping resolve the problem, or am I simply spreading the problem?”
- Christian accountability
- John does not ignore Diotrephes’ behavior. He identifies it and intends to address it.
- Christian accountability means that harmful behavior should not simply be overlooked.
- Accountability should involve truth, appropriate confrontation, humility, and a desire for restoration.
- We should also be willing to receive correction when our own behavior is wrong.
- Imitate what is good
- In verse 11, John tells Gaius, “Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.”
- The lesson is not merely “don’t be like Diotrephes.”
- Christians are called to actively practice humility, hospitality, truthfulness, love, service, and integrity.
- Our goal is ultimately to imitate Christlike character.
The Big Picture
3 John 9–12 contrasts two approaches to Christian relationships:
Diotrephes: pride → control → harmful speech → rejection → division
Christian conduct: humility → truth → appropriate conversation → accountability → restoration and good works
Practical takeaway
Before speaking or acting in a conflict, ask:
“Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it appropriate? Am I addressing the right person? Will this help restore rather than divide?”
Rapture Before Tribulation
Primary Text: Revelation 4:1–2 1.
Please Click Here for the latest lesson:
Click Here to Download 2nd Handout:
The Invitation to “Come Up” Revelation 4:1 John says: “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven…” Then he hears the voice saying: “Come up hither.” LaHaye understands John’s being called into heaven as a picture of the Rapture of the Church. Teaching point: The transition from Revelation 3 to Revelation 4 is significant: the messages to the churches end, and John is suddenly taken into heaven.
2. The Church Is No Longer Mentioned on Earth One of LaHaye’s major arguments is the distinction between Revelation 1–3 and what follows. Chapters 1–3 focus heavily on the churches. Beginning in Revelation 4, the scene shifts to heaven. The Tribulation judgments then begin unfolding. LaHaye sees this as supporting a pretribulation Rapture. Important teaching point: This is an interpretation of the prophetic sequence, rather than Revelation 4:1 explicitly saying, “The church has been raptured.”
3. The Rapture Is Sudden The phrase: “Immediately I was in the spirit” — Revelation 4:2 describes John’s sudden transition into the heavenly scene. LaHaye connects this with the biblical teaching that believers will be caught up to meet Christ. Supporting Scripture 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 “The dead in Christ shall rise first…” “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up…” This is one of the clearest passages concerning the Rapture.
4. The Rapture Is Before the Tribulation This is the central argument of Chapter 10. LaHaye places the Rapture before the seven-year Tribulation period. His basic prophetic sequence is: Church Age → Rapture → Tribulation → Second Coming → Millennium Revelation 4 begins the heavenly scene, while the judgments associated with the Tribulation unfold afterward.
5. The Church Is Promised Deliverance From Coming Judgment A key supporting Scripture is: 1 Thessalonians 1:10 Paul says believers are waiting for Jesus: “who delivers us from the wrath to come.” LaHaye connects this with the belief that Christians will not experience the divine judgment associated with the Tribulation. Another important passage is: Revelation 3:10 Jesus tells the church at Philadelphia: “I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation…” LaHaye views this as significant evidence for the church being removed before the Tribulation. 6. The Rapture Is Different From the Second Coming This is an important distinction for your students. The Rapture: Christ comes for His church. Believers are caught up. It is associated with meeting Christ in the air. It occurs before the Tribulation according to LaHaye’s interpretation. The Second Coming: Christ comes with His saints. Christ visibly returns to earth. It occurs after the Tribulation. It leads into His kingdom. Compare: 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 — Rapture Revelation 19:
Please Click Here for the latest lesson:
Previous Lesson Test Questions IMPACT Bible Study: Click Here to Download, and & Print.
Thursday Night Impact Bible Study
Revelation Chapters 1–3 Quiz
Revelation Chapter 1
- Who received the revelation recorded in the book of Revelation?
See Revelation 1:1, 1:4 - True or False:
John received the Revelation while he was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God
and his testimony about Jesus Christ.
See Revelation 1:9 - In Revelation 1, John saw someone described as “like unto the Son of man.” What was He
doing?
See Revelation 1:12–13 - What do the seven golden candlesticks/lampstands represent?
See Revelation 1:20 - What did Jesus tell John not to fear?
See Revelation 1:17–18
Revelation Chapter 2 - Which church was commended for its hard work, perseverance, and for testing those who
claimed to be apostles?
See Revelation 2:2–3 - What did Jesus say the church at Ephesus had left?
See Revelation 2:4–5 - Which church was told, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”?
See Revelation 2:8–10 - True or False:
The church at Pergamos was commended for holding fast to Jesus’ name, but Jesus also
rebuked them for tolerating false teaching.
See Revelation 2:13–15 - Which church was criticized for allowing “that woman Jezebel” to influence God’s servants?
See Revelation 2:18–20
Revelation Chapter 3 - Which church was described as having a reputation for being alive, but Jesus said it was
actually dead?
See Revelation 3:1 - What did Jesus tell the church at Sardis to do?
See Revelation 3:2–3 - Which church was told, “I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it”?
See Revelation 3:7–8 - True or False:
The church at Laodicea was praised because it was spiritually passionate and on fire for God.
See Revelation 3:15–16 - In Revelation 3:20, what does Jesus say will happen if someone hears His voice and opens
the door?
See Revelation 3:20 - BONUS DISCUSSION QUESTION
Which of the seven churches in Revelation 2–3 do you believe has the strongest lesson for the
church today, and why?
See Revelation 2:1–3:22
Photo for this Thursday evening lesson:
The 2nd Lesson on the Class on Revelation!
The Seven Churches of Asia Minor
Beginning with these verses, we are going to be studying the seven churches to which Jesus is writing. He calls these churches by name in Rev. 1:11. Jesus has a word for each of these congregations. As we study these seven churches, I want you to keep in mind that these churches can be seen in three different ways.
They can be viewed Personally — These letters speak to congregations, but we should also be mindful that the Lord has a word for the individual in these letters as well. He has something tó say to you and to me about our relationship with Him.
They can be viewed Prophetically — These churches seem to represent different stages of the church over the last 2,000 years. If this is true, then the church at Ephesus represents the time period between the Day of Pentecost and 100 AD. This was a time of great expansion for the early church. But, it was also a time when some began to loose their zeal and fervency.
They can be viewéd Practically — These letters were sent to literal, real congregations that were actually functioning at the close of the First Century. While they were written to real churches existing in that day, they still speak to every church in existence today. God has a word for Mount Pisgah Baptist Church in these verses!
Introduction to the Revelation of Jesus Christ
Click Here to Print Lesson Documents:
Revelation 1:1-8
The Subject of Revelation
I. Revelation
A. revelation means- Apokalypsis in greek which means “an unveiling. It is not a new word in the New Testament, It occurs 18 times. Luke 2: 32; Gal. 1:12; 2 Thess. 1:7;
1 Pet. 1:7; ect.
I. The Scribe and Date of Revelation
Author: Apostle John
- He was the most venerated Christian leader throughout Asia Minor, particularly around Ephesus, where he had been the pastor for much of the last half of the first century. He outlived all the other Apostles, in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy in John 21: 20-24.
- Three Johns: John the Baptist; John surname Mark; Apostle John
- Proof of Authorship: All the external evidences points to the writing of Revelation by the Apostle John when he was banished to the isle of Patmos during the reign of Roman emperor Domitian (A.D. 91-96). It is accepted by most that the book was written in A.D. 95.
- Isle of Patmos: It is a rocky and desolate island, about twenty-eight miles in circumference, with a bold and deeply indented shore; and was used by the Romans as a place of banishment for many criminals.
The Spiritual Blessing of Revelation
I. Blessing: In Scripture is similar to the word “happy”. As you know, happiness is not found in the things of this world.
Questions
Introductory Questions of Revelation of Jesus
Christ
- Most prophecy scholars believe that time is at hand, and that things are clearer to us now than ever before. (Circle True or False)
- What is the result of us reading the book of Revelation? (Rev. 1:3)
- Name two of the four interpretations of Revelation.
- What does it mean to have a futurist interpretation of Revelation?
- Did you study chapter one this week during your study time?
“Revelation – High Level Review”
THE BOOK OF REVALATIONS
MPBC IMPACT BIBLE STUDY: HIGH LEVEL REVIEW
Review by Chapter:
Overview Introduction:
Category Details
Book Revelation
Author John, traditionally understood as the apostle John
Date: Commonly dated near the end of Domitian’s reign, around A.D. 95; some
scholars argue for an earlier date
Setting John was on the island of Patmos when he received the vision
Audience The seven churches of Asia Minor
Purpose
To strengthen believers to remain faithful, endure tribulation, and trust Christ’s
final victory
Main theme Jesus Christ reigns, judges’ evil, and brings the new creation
Chapters overview:
John sees the new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem. The book closes with the
river of life, the tree of life, and Jesus’ promise, “I am coming soon”.
Chapter flow for teaching
- Revelation Ch: 1 through 3
John sees Jesus in glory and receives messages to seven churches. These chapters teach believers to repent, remain faithful, and overcome.
- Revelation Ch: 4 through 5
John sees the throne of God and the Lamb. Heaven worships because only Jesus is worthy to open the scroll.
- Revelation Ch 6 Through 7
The seals are opened, showing judgment and suffering, but chapter 7 gives hope through the sealing of God’s people.
- Revelation Ch 8 through 11
The trumpets warn the world and call people to repentance. God’s kingdom is moving toward completion.
- Revelation Ch 12 through 14
The spiritual battle is revealed. The dragon and beasts represent evil opposition, but God’s people are called to stay loyal to the Lamb.
- Revelation Ch 15 through 16
The bowls of wrath show the fullness of God’s righteous judgment.
- Revelation 17 through 18
Babylon falls, showing that corrupt worldly power cannot last.
- Revelation 19 through 20
Christ returns, evil is judged, and Satan is defeated.
- Revelation 21 through 22
God makes a new heaven and new earth and dwells with His people forever.
Discussion questions
What stands out most about Jesus in Revelation?
Why would the churches need this message?
- Why is the ending of Revelation such comfort?