809.htm

(Letter sent to a local congregation of JWs).

809.

DIOTREPHES.

After reading the JW Watchtower article of July 24th 1977, another example of their apostate aspect becomes apparent: The causes and the effect of having so many inhospitable congregations of JWs, and the sorts of persons that actively work in this sect to bring this about. Diotrephes was an example of the kind of anti-Christ behaviour that the apostle John sought to expose, and that each man like Diotrephes "goes on doing". Such behaviour as:

(1)	He **"likes to have first place among them".***
(2)	He *"does not receive anything from us* (anointed brothers of The Christ) *with respect."*
(3)	He is *"chattering about us with wicked words."*
(4)	Neither does he himself "receive the brothers with respect, and those who are wanting to receive them he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation." (3 John V.9,10).

It is as a fellow worker in union with Christ Jesus our Lord that I am recalling the works of some among the sect of JWs whose works are like those of Diotrephes. For the Spirit bears witness to ALL THE TRUTH for our benefit.

One "Diotrephes" among them in particular, Mr. J.S., a so-called 'elder', visited me to convey his wish to delegate me for work under the authority of another man, putting chairs away, sweeping up, and other general tasks in a kingdom hall of JWs, and to work in this way toward his recommendation for the post of 'ministerial servant'. And they believe this is the way to become spiritually "tested as to fitness"? (1 Tim 3:8 10). Really? After telling him he had no right or authority to require this of anyone, given that scripturally speaking he is not an elder (only anointed sons of God are appointed as elders. 1 John 2:27), his attitude became threatening as he retorted, 'Look here, boyo…' etc, repeating this phrase as he continued his 'or else' verbal tirade and refused counsel.

After supposing he had secured my trust by revealing the confidence talk of another "brother", he went on to say: 'Ron, what I do with certain "brothers", is I get their confidence, and when I've got it, and they think they've got me, I stick the knife in and turn it.' This brings to mind the disposition of another man, the betrayer of Jesus. Mr. J.S. also liked to boast that emotionally he had 'a skin like a rhinoceros' and of his habit of reading Bible literature in the lavatory.

Then there was his work of "trampling" and ostracism: Advising others not to speak to us, but giving no scriptural reason for doing so. On the rare occasions that this JW congregation had visitors, he and his kind took it in turns to systematically interrupt our conversations. He would send troublesome ones on some pretext, showing deliberate rudeness, hindering our efforts to receive visitors hospitably, even deliberately preventing conversation by physically inserting themselves between us and them and making empty excuses for doing so. Mr. P.E. excelled in this behaviour. Mr. R.L. even pushed at our feet with a broom to empty the hall of brotherly love. We posed a threat to the "first place among them"* (the glory they require for recommending others to positions of authority. Phil 3:18,19). Other examples of their unchristian behaviour to deject the hearts of righteous ones were recorded and sent to them in a preceding letter. (See Pages 796 and 797).

"I am speaking to move you to shame… there is not one wise man among you that will be able to judge between his brothers". (1 Cor 6:5). Some of the foregoing works have been made known to them, with further examples, and before many witnesses. They were not, and could not, be refuted. Because of their unchristian behaviour, the writer of this letter was eventually expelled from their congregation, but certainly not from Christ's congregation. (1 Cor 11:19). For their unchristian activities, they merited expulsion from among Jehovah's gathered people.

5/7/77.