What actions might constitute "sharing in his evil deeds" according to 2 John 1:11? Text in focus “ If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or greet him. For whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:10-11) What does “share in his evil deeds” mean? John’s concern is for believers who, through hospitality or endorsement, become partners with counterfeit teachers. In first-century culture, welcoming a traveling teacher lent public credibility and practical support. Extending that same welcome to someone denying “the doctrine of Christ” (v. 9) made the host complicit in the deception. Actions that make us accomplices • Providing room and board so the false messenger can continue traveling and teaching • Financing printing, media, or online platforms that spread error • Inviting the person to speak in church gatherings, conferences, study groups, podcasts • Publicly commending, quoting, or reposting the teacher’s materials without correction • Partnering in ministry projects or mission trips under a “unity at all costs” banner • Remaining silent when the error surfaces in conversation, giving the impression of approval • Using influence to help the teacher gain visas, visas, or introductions to other churches • Receiving communion or engaging in joint worship that implies shared faith and doctrine • Ordaining or laying hands on the individual (cf. 1 Timothy 5:22) • Voting or signing off on leadership positions for those known to deny essential truths Broader biblical pattern • Ephesians 5:11 — “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” • Romans 16:17 — “Turn away from them.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:14 — “Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.” • 1 Corinthians 15:33 — “Bad company corrupts good character.” • 1 Timothy 5:22 — “Do not be hasty in laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others.” • 3 John 1:8 — Positive contrast: “support such men… fellow workers for the truth.” We become fellow workers for error when we support falsehood. Guardrails for today • Test every message by Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Practice discerning love: we can be polite without giving platform. • Support and amplify those who teach sound doctrine (Titus 1:9). • Correct gently when possible, withdraw when necessary (2 Timothy 2:24-26; Titus 3:10-11). • Keep personal fellowship and corporate worship centered on the full truth of Christ. Summary “Sharing in his evil deeds” goes beyond personal belief to the tangible ways we enable someone who rejects core biblical truth. Hospitality, endorsement, silence, financing, and partnership become spiritual complicity. John’s warning calls believers to loving discernment—extending grace to people, but never a platform to error. |
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