2 John 1:10
If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.
If anyone comes to you

Traveling teachers depended on believers for lodging, financial support, and opportunities to teach in house churches. John calls congregations to test those who seek entrance and influence.

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you…
2Pe 2:1 Now there were also false prophets among the people…
Act 20:29-30 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come…

but does not bring this teaching,

The teaching centers on Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, truly come in the flesh. Those who deny His incarnation depart from the truth delivered by the apostles and do not remain in the teaching of Christ.

1Ti 1:3 As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia,…
Gal 1:8-9 But even if we or an angel from heaven…
Rom 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who…

do not receive him into your home

Christian homes often served as gathering places for the church. Offering hospitality to a false teacher would provide a platform for error and give the appearance of support for a message that corrupts the gospel.

2Th 3:14-15 Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions…
Tit 3:10 Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
1Co 5:11 But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone…

or even greet him.

John forbids a welcoming greeting that expresses fellowship or endorsement. Faithful love protects Christ’s people from deception and refuses partnership with those who reject the truth about Him.

Luk 10:4 Carry no purse or bag or sandals. Do not greet anyone…
2Ki 4:29 “Tie up your garment, take my staff in your hand…”…
Mat 10:14 And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words…

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of this epistle, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and a key leader in the early church. He wrote this letter to warn against false teachings.

2. The Elect Lady and Her Children
The recipients of the letter, possibly a specific woman and her family or a metaphor for a local church community.

3. False Teachers
Individuals who spread teachings contrary to the doctrine of Christ, which John warns against in this letter.

4. The Early Church
The community of believers during the first century, facing challenges from false teachings and needing guidance on how to maintain doctrinal purity.

5. The Doctrine of Christ
The core teachings about Jesus Christ, including His divinity, humanity, and redemptive work, which are essential to the Christian faith.
Teaching Points
Guarding the Truth
Believers must be vigilant in protecting the truth of the Gospel. This involves knowing the core doctrines of the faith and being able to identify teachings that deviate from them.

Discernment in Fellowship
Christians are called to exercise discernment in their associations, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. Welcoming false teachers can lead to confusion and division within the church.

The Importance of Doctrine
Sound doctrine is crucial for the health of the church. Believers should prioritize learning and adhering to biblical teachings to maintain spiritual integrity.

Love and Truth
While love is a fundamental Christian principle, it must be balanced with truth. True love does not compromise on essential doctrines for the sake of unity.

Practical Boundaries
Setting boundaries with those who promote false teachings is necessary to protect one's faith and the community. This includes not providing a platform for their ideas.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we identify false teachings in today's context, and what steps can we take to protect ourselves and our communities from them?

2. In what ways can we balance love and truth when dealing with individuals who hold different beliefs?

3. How does the warning in 2 John 1:10 relate to the broader biblical theme of discernment and testing the spirits?

4. What are some practical ways to ensure that our homes and churches remain places of sound doctrine?

5. How can we apply the principle of not receiving false teachers to our consumption of media and literature?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 John 4:1-3
John advises believers to test the spirits to discern whether they are from God, emphasizing the importance of recognizing false prophets.

Matthew 7:15-20
Jesus warns about false prophets, describing them as wolves in sheep's clothing, and instructs believers to recognize them by their fruits.

Galatians 1:8-9
Paul warns against accepting any gospel contrary to the one originally preached, even if it comes from an angel.

2 Timothy 3:5
Paul describes people who have a form of godliness but deny its power, advising believers to avoid such individuals.
How to Treat HereticsW. Jones 2 John 1:10, 11
Loyalty to ChristJ. M. Gibbon.2 John 1:10-11
No TolerationT. Davies, M. A.2 John 1:10-11
Our Share in Other Men's SinsH. Melvill, B. D.2 John 1:10-11
The Contagion of Evil to be AvoidedC. H. Spurgeon.2 John 1:10-11
People
John
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Anyone, Bear, Bid, Bring, Bringeth, Doctrine, Doesn't, Farewell, Greet, Greeting, Hail, Happiness, Love, Receive, Roof, Speed, Teaching, Welcome, Wish
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 John 1:10

     5165   listening
     7026   church, leadership
     8330   receptiveness

2 John 1:7-11

     5978   warning
     8484   spiritual warfare, enemies
     8750   false teachings

2 John 1:9-10

     8749   false teachers

2 John 1:9-11

     7025   church, unity

2 John 1:10-11

     6213   participation, in sin
     8446   hospitality, duty of

Library
The Books of the New Testament
[Sidenote: The Author.] The author describes himself as "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ" (i. 1). Few books of the New Testament are so well attested as this Epistle. The external evidence for its authenticity is strong, and stronger than that for any other Catholic Epistle except 1 John. It seems to be quoted in Didache, i. 4. The letter of Polycarp written about A.D. 110 shows a complete familiarity with 1 Peter. He evidently regarded it as a letter of the highest authority. His contemporary
Leighton Pullan—The Books of the New Testament

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