After reading the JW Watchtower magazine article of July 24th 1977 (See Page 807), another aspect as to their case becomes apparent: The indications and causes of the many inhospitable congregations of this sect, and the type of person that actively works to bring this about. The man Diotrephes was given as an example of the kind of anti-Christ behaviour John was referring to, and that men like Diotrephes "goes on doing". Such behaviour as:

It is as a fellow worker in union with Christ our Lord that I am bringing to remembrance the works of some among the sect of JWs, whose works are like those of Diotrephes; a man whom the apostle John mentioned by name. For the Spirit bears witness to ALL THE TRUTH for benefit.

The works of one "Diotrephes" among them in particular, Mr. J. S., a so-called 'elder', who visited to convey his wish that I accept being delegated to work under another man, putting chairs away, sweeping up, and other general tasks in their kingdom hall, working in this way toward becoming a ministerial servant. And they believe this is the way to become "tested as to fitness"? Really? After conveying to him that he had no right or authority to expect this of anyone, and that scripturally speaking he is not an elder (1 John 2:27), his attitude became threatening as he uttered abusively: 'Look here, boyo…' etc, etc, repeating this epithet as he continued with his 'or else' attitude and refusing counsel.

After gossiping to me about the confidential 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, namely, the betrayer of Jesus. Mr. J. S. also liked to boast that he had a 'skin like a rhinoceros' and of the habit of reading Bible literature in his lavatory.

Then there were his works of "trampling": advising others not to speak to me, but giving no scriptural reason based on God's Word for doing this. On the rare occasions when new ones visited this congregation, he and his kind took it in turns to systematically interrupt our conversations. They would send troublesome individuals on some pretext so that they might show deliberate rudeness and hinder our efforts to show hospitality to the visitors, even deliberately preventing conversation by inserting themselves between us and making empty excuses. 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 were a threat to their first place* --the glory they sought from others-- especially from those linked to their way of seeking glory for themselves. (Phil 3:18,19). Other such examples of a destructive nature (to deject the hearts of righteous ones) were conveyed 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' were 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 expelled from their congregation, but certainly not from God's congregation. (1 Cor 11:19). By their unchristian works they merited expulsion from among Jehovah's gathered people.

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