Figure Analysis
For every good Gaius, there's a dolty Diotrephes.
This dude "likes to put himself first" and "does not acknowledge our authority" (3 John 1:9). Not loving others? Refusing to bow to the wishes of the community? That's two strikes right there.
Diotrephes also refuses to let the elder's Christian missionary friends stay in his house. But it's not just his guest rooms they're banned from—he's also keeping other Christians in the community from opening their home to the friends with the threat of excommunication (3 John 1:10). That's right. Break out the guest bed and you're gone.
We're hoping this is all a misunderstanding and that Diotrephes is just leery of unknown houseguests. After all, didn't the elder warn the elect lady about the dangers of letting evil people in your house (2 John 1:10-11)? How does Diotrephes know for sure these guys are the real deal? They could be antichrists in missionary clothing!
Seriously. It'd be a shame to get booted out of Heaven because of who you let sleep on the pull-out sofa.