Key Verse Spotlight
2 John 1:10 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing-and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" 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
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
Look to yourselves, that ➔ we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If ➔ there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
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When warning has already been given about deceivers, the apostle now tells Christians how to treat them. They are not to be welcomed as ministers of Christ, because the Lord Jesus will set them apart from true servants, and his followers should do the same. The command is negative: do not support them. If anyone comes and does not bring this teaching about Christ as the Son of God, the Messiah, the anointed one appointed by God for our redemption and salvation, do not receive that person into your house.
This woman may have been like Gaius, the generous host mentioned in the next letter, who welcomed traveling ministers and Christians. These deceivers might expect the same treatment, or even the warmest welcome, as the blind often grow bold. But the apostle does not allow that. Do not receive them into your home as approved guests. Such people may be helped in real need, but they are not to be encouraged in their evil work. Those who deny the faith are destroying souls, and even women should understand enough about religion to judge such matters wisely.
He also says not to bless their efforts. Do not greet them with words like, “God speed,” or with prayers and good wishes for their mission. Evil work should not be given God’s blessing or public approval. God will not support falsehood, deception, or sin. We should gladly ask God to prosper true gospel ministry, but if we cannot stop the spread of deadly error, we must never endorse it.
The reason is clear: anyone who gives such a person encouragement becomes a partner in that person’s evil deeds. Kindness and approval can make us share in another person’s sin. Christians need to be very careful. There are many ways to take part in other people’s wrongdoing, through silence, laziness, indifference, private support, public approval, or open defense. May the Lord forgive us for any part we have had in the sins of others.
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From This Chapter
2 John 1:1
"The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;"
2 John 1:2
"For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever."
2 John 1:3
"Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love."
2 John 1:4
"I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father."
2 John 1:5
"And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another."
2 John 1:6
"And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it."
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