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.

Study Bible

If anyone comes to you
This phrase indicates the presence of itinerant teachers or missionaries in the early Christian community. The early church often relied on traveling preachers to spread the Gospel, as seen in Acts 15:36-41. The phrase suggests vigilance in discerning the teachings of those who come to the community.

but does not bring this teaching
"This teaching" refers to the core doctrines of Christianity, particularly the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, as emphasized in 2 John 1:7. The early church faced challenges from false teachings, such as Gnosticism, which denied the incarnation of Christ. This phrase underscores the importance of doctrinal purity.

do not receive him into your home
In the first-century context, hospitality was a significant cultural value, and homes often served as meeting places for the church (Romans 16:5). However, this instruction highlights the need to protect the community from false teachings by not offering support or endorsement to those who spread them.

or even greet him
The greeting in ancient times was more than a simple hello; it often implied fellowship and acceptance. By instructing believers not to greet false teachers, the text emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining doctrinal integrity and avoiding any appearance of endorsing heretical views. This aligns with Paul's warnings in Galatians 1:8-9 about the dangers of false gospels.

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.