2 John 1:10

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

2 John 1:10 (KJV)

Context

The letter of 2 John is addressed to the “elect lady and her children,” likely referring to a specific Christian community. The author, whom many believe to be the apostle John, encourages believers to walk in truth and love one another while being cautious of deceivers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. The immediate context warns against such deceivers, whom John calls “deceiver” and “antichrist.”

Meaning

The verse highlights the importance of sound doctrine and discernment. The phrase “bring not this doctrine” refers to those who deny the essential teachings of Jesus Christ and the foundational truths of the Christian faith. The doctrine in view is the true teaching about Christ, including His incarnation. The command is not a general prohibition of hospitality to unbelievers or personal enemies; rather, it specifically addresses those who come as teachers or preachers of false doctrine.

The instruction “receive him not into your house” means do not welcome him as a brother or support his teaching; it does not mean refusing basic mercy to someone in need. In that time, receiving someone into one’s house implied offering hospitality and endorsing their teachings. By refusing to receive these false teachers, believers would distance themselves from their erroneous beliefs and safeguard the integrity of their faith community.

The instruction to not bid them “God speed” goes further than simply refraining from welcoming them into homes. It signifies not offering any form of support, encouragement, or approval to those who teach false doctrines. The phrase literally means “do not greet him,” and the reason is given in the next verse: whoever greets him “is partaker of his evil deeds.” Thus, the command is about guarding the church from false teaching and not giving any appearance of endorsing those who deny the doctrine of Christ.

Application

While the immediate context pertains to specific circumstances in the early Christian community, its principles have broader applications for believers today. It reminds Christians to be discerning about the teachings they accept and the influencers they embrace. It encourages believers to uphold the truth of the Gospel and be cautious of any teachings or ideologies that contradict it. Believers are called to walk in truth and love, but love does not mean compromising the truth or supporting those who undermine it. The command is a practical application of the principle that we must not aid or encourage those who oppose the gospel.