What does it mean, "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked work"?
2 John 1:1 - 13
ESV - 1 The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth. 2 Because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
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Tim Maas
Supporter
The teaching that John was referring to was the foundational Christian belief that Jesus was both truly and fully God and also truly and fully human. John was reacting to the false teaching of Gnosticism that was being spread within the early Christian church, which included the contention that it could not have been possible for Jesus to have been both fully God, and, at the same time, fully human. John was saying that this heresy was so fundamentally untrue and potentially destructive that for Christians to show the false teachers who espoused it even the common courtesies normally provided between true believers (such as the offering of shelter and food) would make those Christians just as guilty in God's eyes as the Gnostics themselves.
Scott Rees
Supporter
When I found this verse a few years ago, it finally gave me the Biblical excuse to talk with Jehova Witnesses and Mormons JUST on my porch, but not in my house. I used to feel I should invite them all in. I have never converted a one, btw. Not in my house and not on the porch. I still greet them. And I still discuss the Gospel with them. But I don't invite them in and I don't feel guilty about it either. Hopefully, that adds a practical dimension to it this Saturday when the knock comes to the door.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
According to 2 John 1:10, the chosen lady is not to welcome false teachers in any manner whatsoever. Why? Well, according to 2 John 1:11, to receive them is to share in their wicked ways. —H. Wilmington Thoughtless receptiveness is dangerous. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 See also Deuteronomy 11:16; 1 Kings 11:4; Proverbs 7:21; Colossians 2:8 which says, "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."; Hebrews 13:9; 2 John 1:10 --biblehub I have had the experience of cultists coming to my front door and wanting to come in and explain their religion, but knowing this verse i have had to turn them away.
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