IN HIS NAME Original Title: QUESTIONS YOUNG PEOPLE ASK REGARDING THE GROUND OF GATHERING FOR CHRISTIANS GOOD QUESTIONS THAT DESERVE GOOD ANSWERS VOLUMES 1 AND 2 Author: BRUCE ANSTEY Translation: MARIO PERSONA — page 35

“Everyone gives testimony to Demetrius, even the truth itself,” as if saying, “he is the example you should follow.” This is wonderful. “Everyone,” including Diotrephes! This means that Demetrius lived in such a way that he had a good testimony even from Diotrephes. However John adds: “even the truth itself.” This indicates that Demetrius had not compromised the truth in the least. It means that he had found a way to go forward in the presence of Diotrephes and still live in a way that pleased the Lord. This shows us that there is a way to move forward, even in the most difficult circumstances in an assembly. The solution is not to abandon it.

SUMMARY: The existence of problems or evil in an assembly does not mean that that assembly is not on divine ground, but that it is in a bad condition. If an assembly continues in error, it will eventually end up formally repudiated and will no longer be gathered to the name of the Lord. While this does not happen, the Lord will continue in its midst, though certainly grieved by that depressing condition. Our responsibility is to remain there until the Lord intervenes to correct things, or until that assembly is formally set aside.