2 John 1:11

Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

Study Bible

Whoever greets such a person
In the context of 2 John, "such a person" refers to those who do not acknowledge the truth of Jesus Christ coming in the flesh, as mentioned earlier in the letter. The greeting here is not merely a casual salutation but implies a form of endorsement or acceptance. In the early church, hospitality was a significant cultural practice, often involving the sharing of meals and resources. This phrase warns against extending such hospitality to false teachers, as it could be seen as supporting or legitimizing their message. The early Christian community was tightly knit, and any association with heretical teachings could lead to confusion and division within the church.

shares in his evil deeds
The concept of sharing in another's deeds is rooted in the biblical principle of accountability and association. By supporting or endorsing false teachers, one becomes complicit in their actions and teachings. This reflects the broader biblical theme of purity and holiness, where believers are called to separate themselves from sin and falsehood. The idea of sharing in evil deeds is echoed in other scriptures, such as 1 Corinthians 5:6, where Paul warns that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump," emphasizing the corrupting influence of sin and false teaching. This phrase underscores the importance of discernment and the responsibility of believers to uphold the truth of the gospel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Elder (John)
The author of the letter, traditionally understood to be the Apostle John, who is writing to warn against false teachers.

2. The Elect Lady and Her Children
The recipients of the letter, possibly a specific church or a prominent Christian woman and her family.

3. False Teachers
Individuals who were spreading heretical teachings contrary to the doctrine of Christ.

4. The Church
The broader Christian community that is being warned to remain vigilant against false teachings.

5. The Doctrine of Christ
The core teachings about Jesus Christ, which are being defended against distortion.

Teaching Points

Guard Against False Teachings
Believers must be vigilant in discerning truth from error, ensuring that they do not support or endorse teachings that contradict the doctrine of Christ.

The Importance of Doctrine
Understanding and adhering to sound doctrine is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the faith and protecting the church from deception.

The Consequences of Association
Associating with or endorsing false teachers can lead to complicity in their wicked works, highlighting the need for careful discernment in relationships and partnerships.

Community Responsibility
The church community has a collective responsibility to uphold truth and protect its members from harmful influences.

Practical Discernment
Believers should cultivate a habit of testing teachings and influences against the Word of God, seeking wisdom and guidance through prayer and study.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we identify false teachings in our current cultural context, and what steps can we take to guard against them?

2. In what ways can associating with false teachers impact our personal faith and the broader church community?

3. How does the concept of "sharing in wicked works" apply to our modern interactions, both online and offline?

4. What role does sound doctrine play in your personal spiritual growth and in the life of your church?

5. How can we encourage and support one another in maintaining vigilance against false teachings while promoting unity and love within the church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 John 4:1-3
This passage warns believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Paul advises believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, emphasizing the importance of separating from those who practice wickedness.

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.