In 3rd John there was a man named Diotrephes who embodied the words self-supremacy.
Note the Apostle John’s description of Diotrephes in (3rd John 9-10) “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.”
Diotrephes rejected the Apostle’s words which consequently meant he likewise rejected the words of Jesus. In (Luke 10:16) Jesus said unto the 70 he was sending out “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” When the words of the Apostles are rejected the words of Jesus are rejected, He is despised and the Father who sent Him is despised.
For Diotrephes the cause was a desire for preeminence. He wanted to be the supreme authority figure; however that position was already taken. In regards to Jesus Colossians 1:18 says, “…He is the head of the body the church, who is the beginning; the 1st born from the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence.” The church belongs to Jesus. He purchased it with His blood and is the preeminent one. Yet, because of Diotrephes thirst for power he maliciously attacked the Apostle John and his companions through the avenue of gossip. He refused to welcome any of the brethren who came his way and when other church members did, he responded by casting them out of the assembly. Diotrephes had no interest in promoting anyone but himself. He clearly had jealously issues in regards to the Apostle John. Even though he probably wouldn’t have admitted it, his words and actions revealed his desire to usurp the authority of Christ. He undoubtedly thought more highly of himself than he ought to. As a result instead of building up the Body of Christ he was tearing it down. Diotrephes was fighting against the Christ he most likely claimed to be upholding. If we are to be promoters of unity, we must give up our desire to be great. Jealousy, pride and arrogance are all vices that lead to division. If we are to have unity we must give serious attention to the mind of Christ described in Philippians 2:5-8. Paul’s plea for the saints in Philippians 2:2 was Fulfil ye my joy, by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind. If they were to be successful in answering this plea they would need to have in them the mind of Christ. If we are to be successful in answering GOD’S call for unity we must have in us the humble mind of Christ. He is the preeminent one; not me, not you but HIM!